TORQUAY United boss Wes Saunders admits that Kidderminster Harriers are probably the last side he would have wanted to start the season against.

The former Newcastle United player, now in his third season as Torquay boss, said he would have preferred a run-of-the-mill fixture to start with.

But he is confident that his players will rise to the challenge of a full house at Aggborough for Harriers' baptism as a Third Division club.

Saunders said: "Kidderminster is probably the team that most managers didn't want, especially away from home.

"There will be a good atmosphere and I am sure Jan Molby will have Kidderminster really up for it."

Saunders denied suggestions that Torquay will be under no pressure, with all the attention being focussed on Molby's side.

"We have to put pressure on ourselves in that we want to get off to a good start.

"Like every team in this division, you go into the new season not knowing what to expect.

"There will be a lot of pressure because everyone wants to get off to a good start. From our point of view there will be a few nerves tingling, which will be a good thing."

Saunders has not seen Harriers in action but has received reports back from his scouts.

He added: "I believe they like to play a little bit of football and they have some good players."

One Harriers player who is familiar to Saunders is defender Scott Stamps, who spent six years at Plainmoor, making 86 League appearances, and who actually cleaned Saunders' boots when he was an apprentice.

Saunders joked: "He didn't make a very good job of it and didn't get a Christmas bonus!

"But seriously, Scott was a good lad and I have heard a lot of good reports about him -- he will have something to prove against his old club."

Torquay, who just missed out on the play-offs last season, finishing ninth, have made four summer signings.

But their two new French recruits -- defender Jules Mendy and striker Habib Sissoko -- face anxious waits to see if their work permits will arrive in time for them to play tomorrow.

Their other newcomers, former Leeds and Burnley midfielder Mark Ford and ex-Norwich striker Kevin Parker -- are both likely to play.

However, Saunders is without his first-choice strike pair, with record signing Eifion Williams (Achilles tendon) and Tony Bedeau (thigh strain) both ruled out.

Torquay have past experience of tomorrow's situation - three seasons ago they were the opponents for Macclesfield Town's first match in the Football League.

Macclesfield won 2-1 and went on to gain promotion at the first attempt - could history repeat itself with Kidderminster?