JIMMY O’CONNOR has thrown down the challenge to Harriers’ youngsters – insisting they aren’t here to make up the numbers.
Jaiden White and Ethan Freemantle both stood out for Harriers on Saturday, bagging two goals each in a 4-3 victory over Bromsgrove Sporting.
Both were typically industrious in their performances and clearly enjoyed their goals – something that’s indicative of the team spirit now on display at Aggborough.
Speaking after match, Assistant boss O’Connor said the young pair had been putting in the hard yards since returning for pre-season training – and insists that has to continue.
He said: "We set a challenge to both players at the end of last season; they aren't coming in to make up the numbers - it's pointless otherwise.
"We're going to have a small squad and we wanted them to come into training from day one and challenge to get into the team.
"They've both had a fantastic attitude from the very first day, and to see them get rewards on a match day is fantastic for them and good for the club as well.
Match Highlights: Bromsgrove Sporting 3-4 Kidderminster Harriers
"They've got to build on it now, that's what it is about."
The enthusiasm at Aggborough, it seems, is far from confined to the younger members of the ranks.
The teams more experienced front men took equal delight in watching Freemantle and White net – and O’Connor went on to add that those are the perfect examples being set.
"When you're a Jaiden White or an Ethan Freemantle and you're looking up at an Ashley Hemmings or an Amari Morgan-Smith, they’re your role models because they’re doing the right things, day in, day out, on and off the pitch,” he said.
“They’re people they can look up to… the older players have taken the younger players under their wing since day one, and the younger players are now reacting to it.
“Hopefully we can get the fruits of that labour.