HARRIERS hero Johnny Mullins has hinted that he would be willing to stay at Harriers if his Premiership dream fails to materialise.

The 20-year-old Aggborough fans' favourite is still hoping for a new contract with Championship champions elect Reading.

But Mullins is already contemplating his Kidderminster contingency plan should the Royals decide to tackle the top flight without him.

"With them going to the Premiership I would bite their hand off if I was lucky enough to be offered a contract because that for me would be the ultimate dream," said the popular Cockney defender.

"But I don't want to be a player where the phone is not ringing in the summer.

"I like to feel wanted and if Kidderminster's the place for me I'm not going to complain because I do like it here."

Mullins admits to a slight tinge of disappointment to be so far away as Steve Coppell's runaway leaders close in on securing the Championship title.

But he insists he would rather be on the pitch helping Harriers bounce back from last season's relegation than clicking his heels as a spare part at the Madjeski Stadium.

"I was involved with the squad at the start so I do feel a part of Reading's success but I just don't think it was right for me to stay there because I wasn't getting a sniff and I can't argue with that because they're doing so well," he said.

"But I just wanted to come out and play football and feel wanted and luckily that's what's happened at Kidderminster."

Mullins, who is equally at home at right back or central defence, is part-way through a medium term loan until the end of the season following a similar deal last year.

But although he is only at Harriers on a temporary basis he is one of the few players to have made a connection with supporters.

With the revolving door at Aggborough still turning fairly rapidly, Mullins is one of the current longest serving players.

"I was looking round the other day and realised I've probably been here longer than most of the lads here so I do feel part of the furniture in many respects," he said.

"I'm a player that gives 100 per cent and I'm an honest lad so I'd like to think that the fans appreciate that and can relate to me.

"I do like it down here and I'd be happy to stay part of the furniture, especially for the near future because I do like it here.

"It's a good set-up and I feel we're on the brink of something special."