FORMER Worcester City defender Mark Shail regards his move to Kidderminster Harriers as a return to his roots after a seven year spell with Bristol City.

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Harriers and is set to play a key role in the club's debut season in the Nationwide League Division Three.

He said: "I was brought up in Droitwich and spent a little bit of time at Worcester City many years ago.

"I was very pleased when Jan Molby invited me to come down and have talks because being part of Worcestershire's first ever Football League is exciting for me and everybody in Kidderminster."

Shail felt the time was right for him to make a move from Ashton Gate after some fond memories, including captaining the side in their famous 1994 FA Cup win over Liverpool at Anfield.

He said: "I had seven years there and I think in football, like life, you have to move on and the time was right.

"Obviously, I was delighted when Jan Molby spoke to me and of the interest that was shown in me. To be able to work with him and to come back to my home area was a big pull.

"The primary thing about being a defender is being able to defend, but it's a bonus if you can get involved in some of the football going on. I think that's what this manager likes -- his footballers to play and that showed last season.

"I came down and trained at the end of the Conference season and I was very impressed with the quality of the football and the players here."

Shail, however, admits that Kidderminster are heading for a challenging learning curve.

"It's going to be new, it's going to be exciting, it's certainly going to be different and probably for the most part it's going to be really tough. But it's a challenge that I'm sure the boys are looking forward to and, with the quality of the young players we have, I'm confident they will be able to bridge the gap."

Shail says that having Molby at the helm played a major part in his decision to move to Harriers.

"Jan set himself very high standards as a footballer and he wants that off the pitch. The preparations have been first class and that is only going to hold the club in good stead this season.

"If we can dig in there until Christmas I think by then you might see an improving team. That's what I'm hoping."