KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have announced their programme of pre-season friendlies which will give Mark Yates's new-look squad the chance to test themselves against Albion and Wolves.

By the time Harriers report back for training in the first week of July, the manager hopes to have added at least eight more players to those he has already snapped up.

And fans will be able to get their first glimpse of the summer signings when Kidderminster kick-off pre-season with a trip to Gloucester City on Thursday, July 13.

Yates's men will round off their programme of friendlies with a trip to St Georges Lane to take on Worcester City on Saturday August 5, with the Conference season starting a week later on August 12.

But it is the two big home friendlies against championship neighbours Wolves and Albion which are expected to generate the most interest.

Bryan Robson's relegated side will visit Aggborough on Saturday, July 15, before Glenn Hoddle sends a side to Kidderminster on Monday, July 31.

"These fixtures haven't just been thrown together, they're part of a carefully planned pre-season programme," said Yates.

"We didn't want to be travelling too far so we've got a couple of games against local opposition in there.

"The Gloucester and Cinderford games will coincide with the times we're down at Cheltenham University for some fitness testing.

"Each time we'll stay down there for a couple of days so it should be good for team-bonding as well."

With the Aggborough playing surface currently being re-laid, Harriers' only home friendlies will be against Albion and Wolves.

"We had offers from several teams wanting to play us at Aggborough, but with the money we've spent on improving the pitch we didn't want to over-do it pre-season," added Yates.

"I've spoken to the assistant at Albion, Nigel Pearson, and they've promised to bring a strong side, even though they're also playing at Walsall that day.

"Hopefully Wolves will bring a decent side along too and it would be nice to think we could get good crowds for both of the games."

Pre-season friendlies

Thursday, July 13: Gloucester (a) 7.45pm

Saturday, July 15: WBA (h) 12pm

Thursday, July 20: Cinderford (a) 7.45pm

Sunday, July 23: Bromsgrove (a) 1pm

Wednesday, July 25: Stourport (a) 7.45pm

Saturday, July 29: Halesowen (a) 3pm

Monday, July 31: Wolves (h) 7.30pm

Saturday, August 5 Worcester (a) 3pm

Meanwhile, Simon Russell is the latest member of last season's squad to pledge his future to Harriers after agreeing a one-year deal.

Russell's decision to put pen to paper leaves Michael Blackwood as the only existing player still to take up the offer of a new contract from Yates who is confident that the former Villa winger will also stay.

Russell, who was signed from Hull by former manager Jan Molby in 2004, has made 62 appearances so far for the club as an attacking midfielder.

"Simon is signed and sealed and we're delighted because he's got a lot of ability," added Yates.

"We've already put him on a weights programme so hopefully he will look a lot stronger and feel a lot fitter when we see him next season.

"It's a big season for him and I feel if we can get him playing regularly he can make a big impact for us.

"Michael is still exercising his right to think things over which I am happy for him to do.

"He's got a young family so he wants to make sure everything is right for them, but I think we're getting closer to reaching an agreement."

Harriers are continuing to monitor the situation with Johnny Mullins, who has yet to decide where to play his football next season following his release from Reading. He is still contemplating offers from league clubs.