HARRIERS boss Mark Yates has spoken of his delight at reaching an agreement with Russ Penn that will keep the promising midfielder at Aggborough until the end of the 2007/08 campaign.

The 21-year-old put pen to paper yesterday afternoon on a two-year extension to his existing deal.

Penn, who joined Harriers last summer from Scunthorpe, has become an integral part of Yates' midfield since returning to the club from a loan spell at Alvechurch earlier in the season.

Yates said: "The club are obviously delighted by this news.

"Russ is the type of player and character that I want around the club and, although he is young and has still got plenty to learn, he has definitely made his mark on the team."

Penn, a former Aston Villa and Birmingham City schoolboy, made his debut in the 0-0 draw with York City before Christmas and has not missed many games since then.

He opened his professional football goal-scoring account in fine style by smashing in a great strike in Harriers' surprise 2-1 win over Bradford City in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Penn said: "This is brilliant for me. The gaffer has told me he wants me in his squad and hopefully if I can keep working hard, the rewards will come.

"We'll keep pushing hard until the end of the season and we obviously want to do as well as possible next year.

"I want to play as high as possible and this deal will hopefully give me the chance to do that with Kidderminster."

n Harriers supporters will have their chance to pose questions to chairman Barry Norgrove, manager Mark Yates and other members of the board at a fans' forum to be held next month.

The question-and-answer session, organised for Friday, March 17, at 7.30pm, will take place in the Aggborough Suite and £10 tickets are available now from the club shop.