STAND-IN boss Jimmy O'Connor has called for Harriers' players to show their pride as they look to end a disappointing season with victory.

O’Connor took charge of Kidderminster's 2-2 draw at Southport on Monday and will lead them into the final game of the campaign when Guiseley visit Aggborough this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The experienced defender, who had been assisting previous manager Mark Yates, took control of first team affairs following last Friday's home loss to Leamington.

Yates met with chairman Colin Gordon following the defeat, which all but ended the club's hopes of making the National League North play-offs, and it was decided that he wouldn’t be considered for the long-term manager’s role so there was no benefit to continue with the current arrangement.

O'Connor stepped up to the role for Southport and is now determined to sign-off in the right manner.

He said: "I thought the boys did brilliantly in difficult circumstances at Southport.

"It's never easy in these situations when there has been a change and then a quick turn around.

"We had a difficult game as regards to the conditions but we wanted to get back to basics a little and I think the players took that onboard.

"I think it's now important that we end the season in the right manner.

"There is no other way to look at it other than it's been a disappointing season. We wanted to get promotion and that hasn't happened.

"It's important for this football club moving forwards that we now end on the right note for the fans and for our own pride."

On taking the manager's role for the final two games, he added: "It's a good experience for me and something I was willing to do for the club.

"I'm here as a player first and foremost but I'm here to help the club in any way I can.

"When you're at this stage of your career it's something you start to think about. When opportunities arise in the game, like in life, you have to take them."

However, O'Connor wouldn't be drawn on if he'd be willing to take the role on a permanent basis next term.

He added: "It's not something I want to think about at the moment. The most important thing is, as a club, we strive for better.

"I'm still contracted as a player here and we have another game to focus on first."

Ryan Johnson, Declan Weeks, Billy Daniels and Brandon Hall will all be assessed before the weekend.