STUART Watkiss cannot wait to pit his wits against a manager who had a big influence on his football career.

The Kidderminster Harriers boss will go head-to-head with Hereford United chief Graham Turner in front of an anticipated 3,000-plus crowd at Aggborough tomorrow.

Watkiss, 39, finished the 1995/96 season at the Bulls under Turner, playing 21 games in a terrific transformation that saw them eventually lose in the League Two play-off semi-finals.

And the defender, a big fan of Wolves who Turner managed for seven years, ad-mitted he was devastated to leave United.

He said: "I had three or four really enjoyable months there and was heartbroken when I left at the end of the season.

"I have very fond memories of the people there but obviously my loyalties lie with Kidderminster now.

"So I know what a good manager Graham is and any team of his is going to be organised and play good football. I also know their coach John Trewick well.

"I learnt a great deal from Graham and I've a lot to be grateful for. It's the first time I've been up against him as a manager and it will be great if we can beat them because our club needs three points."