STUART Watkiss has appealed for early-season patience from Kidderminster Harriers' fans -- but has insisted he will not be hiding behind any excuses.

Harriers enjoyed a useful pre-season of six wins, one draw and two defeats but the real business begins tomorrow when Woking visit Aggborough in the Nationwide Conference.

Boardroom upheaval delayed Watkiss' activity in the transfer market. And the Kidderminster manager only added a second specialist striker on Tuesday with the five-month loan capture of promising Walsall target man Taiwo Atieno.

But Watkiss believes many of Harriers' loyal fans understand the club's plight and they have remained behind him, despite last season's relegation from Coca-Cola League Two.

He said: "We were down to the hardcore support last season after having such a disappointing campaign. I just hope they are all there on Saturday.

"It's important we remember we want the same thing. We may have different ideas about how to achieve it but we are batting for the same team.

"The fans have had a tough year and we have a responsibility to give them something to shout about. I think most realise we have had a tough summer, players have come in quite late and it's a bit of a transitional period.

"But it's important the coaching staff and myself don't hide behind that and use it as an excuse.

"The league table should settle down after a dozen or so games and I want to make sure we are up there. We are cautiously optimistic."