MARK YATES insists a decision on his players' futures could be delayed until the end of the season as he prepares his troops for their Easter double header against Canvey Island and Cambridge.

Harriers have back-to-back clashes against midtable opposition, travelling to Essex tomorrow before playing host to the Us on Easter Monday.

And Yates admits his immediate focus is on the club's remaining fixtures rather than handing out contracts for next season.

The Aggborough boss only has midfielders Jake Sedgemore and Russ Penn tied up on deals beyond the end of this term.

But he is keen to learn how much cash will be made available for players' wages before he signs anybody up.

"I still haven't really spoken to any of them yet so there's nothing really happening," he admitted.

"They're in the same boat as many other players up and down the country, but at the moment we're just waiting for where we're going with the budget.

"As soon as I know something I'll let them know and if that's not before the end of the season then it will have to be after the last game."

Meanwhile, the manager could introduce a couple of youth-teamers for the holiday double header with a string of suspensions leaving him short of numbers.

With captain Daryl Burgess banned for the Canvey game and Johnny Mullins and Michael Blackwood suspended for both fixtures two of the club's youngsters could be given a chance to shine.

"One or two of the younger players out of the youth team might be involved," said Yates.

We've got Ashley Walker who is a centre back and Tom Byrne who plays up front or in midfield.

"They're training with us and hope-fully they'll be in or around the squad on Friday and Monday.

"With us having a few people out I thought it was the right time to look at the lads in a first team match."

Yates is angry at the fixture planners for sending Harriers and their fans on a long jaunt South on Good Friday, especially with the eraly kick off.

"I'm a bit frustrated that it's kicking off at 2pm but you've just got to get on with it," he said.

"It's a bit of trek down there but we'll have prepared properly and hopegfully we'll get a result.

"Neil Howarth went to watch them against Tamworth last week so we know what to expect.

"And it will be a tough game against Cambridge on Monday too, but as long as we show the same commitment and spirit we did at York we'll be fine."

One Canvey player who won't be lining up against Harriers tomorrow is Jake Sedgemore's brother Ben.

Despite both siblings playing Conference and lower league football for the past 10 years their paths have never crossed on the pitch.

And an injury ruling Ben out for the season will keep them apart once again.

"We've never actually faced each other in a match before even when our teams have played because something has always got in the way," he said.

"It would be good to play against him, but I don't think my mom would be too happy, unless it finished in a draw!"