FORMER York City defender Keith Lowe says the Minstermen will be regarded as the 'biggest scalp' in National League North.

Lowe, who now captains Kidderminster Harriers, admits that he is still shocked by his former club's slump into the sixth tier of English football.

He firmly expects City to be contenders for promotion next season but warns that Kidderminster are also looking to win the league.

"It is a shock to see York in National League North because they are a really big club," he said.

"They are going to be the biggest scalp in the league next season because they are probably the biggest club most players at this level will have played against!"

Lowe, now 31, made over 100 appearances for City during a two year stay at Bootham Crescent and was hugely popular with the club's supporters.

He won the Press Player of the Year award when City narrowly missed out on promotion to League One in 2014 and missed only one game the following season.

In December 2015, he returned to his native West Midlands to play for Kidderminster who were subsequently relegated to National League North.

"It's not nice when it happens and we have been through something similar to York at Kidderminster," he said. "You just have to put it behind you and put things right.

"I am sure both of us will be up there next season as two massive clubs looking to get promotion. It won't be that much of a culture shock - but it may be a tad more direct.

"I am not knocking this league but, at Kidderminster, we do get the ball down and play it around more than most of the others."

Kidderminster opted to stay full-time when their 33-year residence in English football's top five divisions came to an end.

They nearly secured an immediate return to the National League but were pipped to the title by AFC Fylde and lost in the play-off semifinals to Chorley.

"We had a good season and finished second but, unfortunately, we just couldn't get over the line via the play-offs," he reflected.

"It is a very tough league and there are a lot of really good ex-Football League players in there now. More and more teams are also going full-time.

"It will be a big game for everyone when they play (full-time) York," he added. "It will be a like a Cup game when they come to town and everyone will want to raise their game.

"On a personal note, it will be great to go back and play at Bootham Crescent again. I made a lot of friends during my time up there and I am pleased to say I had a great rapport with the fans."

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of Kidderminster's play-off semifinal defeat, Lowe had also vowed to come back stronger next season.

"I've learnt a lot, going to places that don't really inspire you," he said. "But you have no divine right to win any game of football. If you don't work harder than the man you're up against, you're going to be in for a long afternoon."