On-loan man ready for Saturday’s big kickoff
By Matty Paddock - 04/08/2026
Posted 2 hours ago
Cian Harries says Harriers are ready for the “real stuff” to begin as Paul Wotton’s side prepare to open the new National League season at Hornchurch on Saturday.
The defender, who joined Harriers on a season-long loan from Forest Green Rovers this summer, has completed an unbeaten pre-season with his new team-mates and is eager to get the competitive action under way.
“It’s obviously exciting for all clubs and exciting for all players to start the season,” he said.
“I’m happy to get pre-season out of the way, to be honest. I do find it pretty tough, but it’s probably the most exciting time to be a footballer when the real stuff gets started.
“I think myself, like everyone else, is just looking forward to getting going now.”
Harries believes the squad has continued to develop throughout the summer as the club’s new arrivals have settled into life at Aggborough.
“I’ve had contact with the manager before, last year when he was at Torquay, so I knew a little bit about him and I’m sure he knew a little bit about me.
“It’s been really good. I think the group’s getting better and the lads are coming out of their shells a little bit more now, able to start showing their personalities on the pitch.
“Just like supporters, groups of players, management and staff, we all want to be able to play with better players and the best players that we possibly can.
Harriers completed their preparations with four victories and a draw, keeping clean sheets throughout their five warm-up fixtures.
While Harries knows pre-season results carry little weight once the competitive campaign begins, he is pleased with the habits the group has established.
“You can only really play what’s in front of you. Whether it has been teams a couple of leagues below us, we can only beat what we’ve been up against.
“To go through pre-season without conceding, winning four and drawing one, I think we were a little bit disappointed with our only home game, just in our performance really, but that can happen for a number of reasons.
“Ultimately, lads are still getting used to each other. It’s been quite a big turnover in players over the summer from what was here last year, myself included.
“The winning and not conceding goals are good habits. It doesn’t really matter who it’s against, it’s just who’s in front of you.”
Saturday brings together two newly promoted sides, with Hornchurch having earned their place in the National League following promotion from National League South.
“They’ve come off the back of a similar season to Kidderminster, really, coming up from the south,” Harries added.
“They’ll be two teams that will be eager to try and get maximum points, and we’ll be ready for it come Saturday.”
Harriers will be backed by another strong travelling contingent, with the club’s official supporters’ coaches having sold out ahead of the journey.
“Having support travel the country for you is helpful and inspiring, to be honest,” Harries said.
“Hopefully we can get out there and give people something to get behind because, at any football club, support from fan bases is massive. Whether people realise it or they don’t, it does make a difference.”
This article is about: Match, Player News
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