ADAM Bartlett has pledged to prove that his decision to 'follow his heart' and join Kidderminster Harriers was correct as he gears up for the start of the new season.

England C International Bartlett joined Harriers on a free transfer earlier this summer from Blue Square North side Blyth Spartans.

Bartlett featured for Blyth whilst also working as a coach at Newcastle United's Academy on a full-time basis.

Understandably the role at the Premiership giants provided the youngster with real security - but as he explained to the official website, his hunger to get back playing full-time football was just too strong.

"I've been in the Conference North for the past couple of years and I've been desperate to get back into the full-time game," he told harriers.co.uk.

"I'd been working at Newcastle's Academy doing their goalkeeping coaching whilst also playing for Blyth but it was a case that I wanted to be back playing full-time.

"Over the last couple of years I've been in the comfort zone to a certain extent.

"My work at Newcastle meant I was involved with football and it was a full-time job at a Premier League club, which was fantastic.

"I feel that I have a lot to offer Kidderminster and that's why I'm here.

"My head was saying that I had a steady job where I was but my heart wanted to get back to playing full-time football.

"At the end of the day I had to follow my heart - I'm going to put the work in to make sure it's the right decision."

Harriers made their return to training during this week, and shot-stopper Bartlett admitted he's been impressed with how the squad is developing

"I'd say it looks very promising," he added."

"Hopefully Scholesy and Benno will sign on for next year soon, and we have the likes of Mark Creighton and Luke Jones at the back - it's a solid unit and it's a very tight group of players.

"Justin Richards has a good bit of banter and brings a few of the boys together as well, so on the whole the squad is shaping up well, and I think we have a good chance of hopefully challenging for something next season."