THE new man in the Aggborough hot-seat has been promised money to strengthen the squad in his bid to steer the club away from the wrong end of the Conference table, writes Paul Whittaker.

Mark Yates, who was installed as manager last Friday, has been assured by the Harriers' board that money would be available to sign players before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Chairman Barry Norgrove said he did not want discuss specific figures but confirmed they could be described as "substantial".

He added: "Mark is a true Harrier and I can't think of anyone else that will be as hungry as Mark. We have spoken about players and he knows what money will be made available."

The former Kidderminster midfielder, who lives in Hartlebury, left his job as first team coach at Burnley to take up the post.

The 35-year-old was under no illusions about the task that awaits him but shrugged off suggestions that it was a job from hell.

He said: "It is going to be hard work but I wouldn't expect anything else. I am looking forward to getting stuck into it.

"Some say I have given up quite a lot to come here but it is something I am looking forward to. It was an easy decision to make. I want to be at the sharp end."

The length of Yates' contract was not clear but he indicated it was not just until the end of this season.

His former Cheltenham team-mate, Neil Howarth, has joined the club as number two after being freed from his post of player/assistant manager at AFC Telford.