Dolan relishes National League chance

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CALLUM Dolan says the opportunity to work with Paul Wotton again made his move to Harriers an easy decision – now he’s ready for a crack at the National League.

The attacking midfielder became the first new signing of the Wotton era at Aggborough after following the manager from Torquay United, where the pair worked closely together during an impressive campaign.

The former departed in March but Dolan remained until the bitter and painful end of defeat in the Promotion Final. Now, the attraction of reuniting with Wotton was about far more than football.

“I know Paul really well, football level and personal level,” he said. “He’s someone that I look up to. He’s played a lot of league football games, he’s managed at a lot of good clubs.

“So I’m delighted to be back with him. When I found out he was coming here, we’ve been in regular contact and yeah, I’m just buzzing to get it done now.”

That relationship, built through their time together at Torquay, was a major factor in bringing Dolan to Aggborough as Harriers prepare for life in the National League following promotion last season.

Asked what makes Wotton such a strong fit for him, Dolan pointed to the shared values between player and manager.

“We share the same morals probably most importantly,” he said. “So we’re both passionate, we work ridiculously hard and we are both winners.

“So yeah, he’s someone that, like I say, when he got the job it was always in my mind that I was going to join up with him again.”

Dolan arrives with experience across both the EFL and non-league game, having represented Oldham Athletic, Altrincham and Fleetwood Town, while also earning widespread recognition during a prolific spell with Warrington Rylands.

Still only 25, he believes his game offers a blend of attacking quality and a willingness to compete physically when required.

“To be honest, I think I’m a player that likes to think I can do a bit of everything,” he said. “Paul will say that he likes me going forward, beating players and stuff.

“But I also like that aggressive side of the game. So I think there’s numerous positions that I can play.”

Dolan also arrives with a clear appreciation of the achievement secured by Harriers last season, having experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to escape Step 2.

“I know how tough it is to get out the National League North and South,” he said. “One team go up automatically, one team get in the play-offs.

“So for Kidderminster to have gone up, there must be something fundamentally right at the club. It must have been a together achievement, and it is a really good achievement.

“Next year, we’re going into a new league. Obviously, better opposition, better managers, bigger clubs. But that’s a challenge that we’ve all got to accept.

“That’s what the boys here worked so hard for last season, so I’m looking forward to it.”

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