STRUGGLING Kidderminster Athletic U-12s are slowly turning their fortunes around -- with the help of a surprise new coaching arrival.

Kidderminster Harriers' recent signing, Frenchman Parfait Medou-Otye, has given up part of his Wednesday evenings to train the youngsters.

And Athletic's results are improving, according to manager Kevin Tonks, thanks to Medou-Otye's French flair.

The former Le Havre and Greenock Morton player has proved popular with fans since signing last December.

And Tonks said: "He's got such a rapport with the kids. They have tightened up and their technique's a lot better.

"Rather than losing 8-0, it's now more like 2-0. You can tell they have a lot more confidence on the ball.

"Being a professional footballer, Parfait gets respect anyway but he also has it on merit. He's encouraged them to work as a team more and the team spirit has improved."

Athletic, second from bottom in Stourport and District Boys League U-12s Division Two, want to recruit more players.

Tonks continued: "Parfait is friends with one of the parents and has come to watch us a few times on Sunday afternoons. Being only 22 myself, I needed some help."