GARY Barnett believes Kidderminster Harriers will be able to throw away their 'L' plates next season and capitalise on the lessons they have learned during their debut season in the Nationwide League Third Division.

"I've learned a lot and I'm sure everybody else has," said the Harriers assistant manager as he reflected on the Aggborough outfit's first taste of full-time professional football.

Kidderminster wrap up their historic campaign with a trip to York City on Saturday, but 38-year-old Barnett is already looking forward to what he and manager Jan Molby expect will be another testing time next term.

He said: "It's again going to be very, very tough. You just have to look at some of the sides who are coming down -- Luton, Oxford and Swansea -- they are all big teams. But we'll move on and I'm certain we'll be a better and more consistent side.

"Consistency is the thing. You need your confidence and then hopefully you can get your consistency from there.

"And if the players we have got who are slowly learning to win Third Division matches week in and week produce that next season then we will be more consistent."

Former Barry Town boss Barnett, whose previous clubs include Coventry, Huddersfield, Oxford, Wimbledon, Fulham and Leyton Orient, is convinced that a number of positives have come out of Harriers first experience of the 'big time'.

He said: "We started off and everything was a honeymoon and new to us and training was a buzz every day to everybody.

"Everyone adapted to it really well, but once you hit that sticky patch then it's a case of keeping everybody together and lively. That's what we tried to do -- keep their heads up.

"Now we have come out of that little bit of a patch, the youngsters have done excellently and maybe, just maybe, we have seen them hopefully adapt to the Third Division.

"They know now what it takes go and win matches in the Third Division which has all been positive for us."

Despite the ups and downs on the pitch, Barnett admits to enjoying every minute of the season.

"I've had plenty of seasons in the lower leagues and every one is very, very tough. It was a certainty that this season was going to be tough and a 'find our feet' one for us.

"Obviously the expectations were high after last year. Winning the Conference was massive, but I think we have done excellently this season and I've enjoyed it as I'm sure most of the other lads have.

"Now we have got more confidence and, as I say, some of these youngsters have come on and shown that they have grown up and know what it takes to win Third Division matches. Hopefully, that can all be taken into next season."

As part of their build up to next term Kidderminster have arranged eight 'warm-up' games including a match against play-off chasers Birmingham City at Aggborough which has now been put back 24 hours to Wednesday, August 1.

Meanwhile, Harriers they are again planning to stage a five-a-side competition which proved a huge success last year.

The 32-team knock-out tournament will take place at Aggborough on Saturday, May 19, starting at 12.30pm.

Spectators will again be admitted free of charge with bar and catering facilities available throughout the event as well as a bouncy castle and other football activities on offer for children.

Further details are available from Phil Smith on 01299-402400 or Mark Searl on 07989-961752.