HARRIERS boss Mark Yates has paid tribute to the job his opposite number Mark Stimson has done at tomorrow's FA Trophy second round opponents Grays Athletic.

Last season, Stimson masterminded an impressive league and cup double by claiming the Nationwide South title and the FA Trophy, making Grays the first team to achieve the feat.

Now Yates, who will be taking charge of his first home game as manager, is hoping he can outsmart his rival as he attempts to take Harriers on a cup run of their own.

He said: "The game with Grays is going to be really tough. Mark Stimson has got them playing really well and they are a good unit.

"I have seen them play on TV a couple of times but I have not been able to watch them live as they did not have a game last weekend.

"I know that they are well organised and have several good players, but we have got some good players too and hopefully we can progress to the next round. We know we are in for a tough game but my lads will be up for it too."

Although Grays have emerged as promotion contenders in the league, they made a nervous start to the defence of their crown.

Stimson's side needed a replay to squeak past fellow Conference side Aldershot in round one, while Harriers memorably brushed past Scarborough 4-0.

The suspended Daryl Burgess looks set to be Harriers' only absentee for the game with Grays and Patrick Flynn could come in to cover at right-back with Johnny Mullins moving to centre-half.

Transfer speculation continues to surround several Harriers players, with 13-goal top scorer Iyseden Christie being linked with a move to York or Lincoln, captain Mark Jackson attracting attention from York and Shrewsbury, while Wayne Hatswell is said to be on Rushden and Diamonds' wishlist.

However, Yates was adamant he had not received any offers for his players but did admit there had been interest from other clubs.

He said: "The phone has been really busy this week with clubs interested in our players as well as us enquiring about other clubs' players. At the moment there is nothing to report.

"The chairman has said I can bring a couple of players in, but wholesale changes won't be possible unless a few players leave.

"I am just concentrating on getting to know the players I already have. There will not be massive changes, but there will probably be one or two."

Yates, who has already been in touch with his former employers Burnley to re-sign Marc Pugh on loan, was quick to quash rumours that Martin O'Connor was attempting to settle his contract with the club.

There have been reports O'Connor was upset at being overlooked for a coaching position under the new Aggborough regime and was planning to leave the club.

Yates said: "Marc is a decent player, who can get a goal and it is good to have him on board and as far as Martin is concerned, there is nothing new to report and he is still a Harriers player."