KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have drastically registered two more names to their playing squad -- management duo Stuart Watkiss and Gary Barnett.

The shortage of squad numbers at Aggborough -- just 15 available with Chris McHale out with a broken foot for two months -- prompted the bizarre move by the manager and his assistant ahead of tonight's home friendly with Walsall (7.30).

Watkiss made the precautionary move after it became clear funding for more summer signings may not became readily accessible.

The new consortium at Aggborough pledged to meet the £500,000 budget agreed with Watkiss before they took control of the club, but they warned that level of funding will not be provided immediately.

Watkiss, 39, a former centre-half with Wolves, Crewe, Hereford and Mansfield, has not turned out since April 1998 when an ankle injury forced his retirement.

Winger Barnett, 42, last played competitively five years ago in Harriers' first season in the Football League.

"Neither of us want to make a comeback and we don't want to play," admits Watkiss. "We have no delusions of rolling back the years.

"But as it stands at the moment, we might have to register as players as a precautionary measure.

"The board are some way short of making up the budget to £500,000 and we are short of players."

Watkiss will not need to locate his playing boots just yet while his side sweep all before them during pre-season. Harriers followed up opening friendly victories over Bewdley Town and Bromsgrove Rovers with a notable 2-1 triumph over Coca-Cola Championship neighbours Wolves.

A crowd of more than 2,000 turned out at Aggborough as Harriers got the better of Glenn Hoddle's men.

Watched by representatives of new board member, Bermuda-based Gordon Howard, Harriers edged out the promotion favourites with strikes from Simon Russell and Iyseden Christie.

However, despite the club's encouraging run of form, Watkiss is not getting carried away as Walsall visit Aggborough. He said: "It's one of those games where you have to be careful not to get carried away. But I was pleased with how we played with and without the ball."

Meanwhile, former Kidderminster striker Blair Sturrock, 23, is close to signing for Rochdale.

n Bromsgrove Rovers aim to get their pre-season programme off the ground when they host Nationwide North side Moor Green tonight (7.30).

Jimmy Mullen's side have already lost 4-2 to Harriers and 3-0 to Hednesford Town.