Kidderminster Harriers Unofficial News

Boro snap up Guppy

2006-08-18T14:04:00.000Z

Conference title favourites Stevenage Boro have snapped up winger Steve Guppy.

Mark Stimson's Boro have suffered two defeats from two in their opening two conference fixtures and angry supporters are already questioning the future of the former Grays' boss.

Stevenage's official site released this story:

Stevenage Borough have today signed Steve Guppy. The 34 year old ex England international winger who includes Celtic, Leicester, Newcastle and Wycombe amongst his former clubs. Steve goes straight into Boro's squad for tomorrows home game against Crawley.

Catch the Harriers on the radio

2006-08-18T13:56:00.000Z

BBC Hereford and Worcester will be keeping stay-at-home Harriers fans up to date with all tomorrow's action from Northwich.

The station is running second half commentary on 104 and 104.4 FM and reporter Steve Miller will be giving regular updates on the first half action.

Meanwhile, Kidderminster have released a statement responding to the action taken by Worcester City over Andy Morrison. The statement can be seen at www.harriers.co.uk.

Reading between the lines it seems that Harriers may not be impressed with the sanctions dished out by City to their assistant boss (see story below). It may be that the FA become involved and dish out further punishment to Worcester City.

Next stop Cheshire

2006-08-18T09:29:00.000Z

Harriers travel to Northwich Victoria tomorrow and will be hoping to pick up their first three points of the season.

Mark Yates men went some way to making up for last Saturday's opening day defeat to St. Albans with a one-all draw at Burton on Tuesday night. Harriers fans will be hoping to see another positive performance, and hopefully a win, as the reds tackle newly promoted Northwich.

The Vics have had mixed start to their season. They won their opening game of the season against Cambridge with Kevin Townson scoring the only goal of the game at the Abbey. However, they found out that the Conference National won't all be plain sailing the following Tuesday when they went down by two goals to nil at home to Morecambe in front of 1346 at the recently opened Victoria Stadium.

Harriers are waiting on the fitness of Jeff Kenna and Jamie McClen before Saturday's game with Mark Yates undecided on whether he will again adopt the 4-5-1 formation used on Tuesday night.

The following travelling directions to Northwich are provided by http://www.northwichvics.co.uk:

M6, J19. Follow the A556 towards Northwich for approximately 3 miles. Turn right onto the A559 towards Lostock (just as the road becomes a dual carriageway). Turn right at the traffic lights immediately before the Slow and Easy public house. Turn left at the crossroads by the Black Greyhound public house (Signposted). Follow the road until the Renault Garage (Lookers), on the left, turn left into Wincham Avenue. The ground is at the bottom of the road on the right.

Rail Travel
Nearest railway station: Northwich (2 Miles) or Hartford (5 Miles)

Worcester fine Morrison

2006-08-17T15:02:00.000Z

Worcester City have fined their assistant manager Andy Morrison and banned him from the touchline for 3 games. This move comes as a result of an investigation into an incident that took place at the Worcester versus Kidderminster friendly game on 5th August 2006 at St. George's Lane.

City released the following statement:

Worcester City Football Club have completed a thorough investigation into the incident that happened during the recent pre-season friendly with Kidderminster Harriers. Allegations were made against Worcester City Football Club's Assistant Manager Andy Morrison and following a full enquiry and taking advice from our legal advisors and ACAS, the Board of Directors have unanimously decided to fine Andy the maximum allowed under FA guidelines, suspend him for 3 games (the suspension started on Thursday 10th August, and included the Barrow and Nuneaton games), and give him a warning to his future conduct.

The findings have been notified to Kidderminster Harriers Football Club and will be forwarded to the Football Association. The Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to apologise to both sets of supporters for the abandonment of the game, following the decision of Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates to withdraw his players from the field of play.

Mark Yates decided to call his players off the pitch in the 70th minute following an off the field incident that Yates described as 'not in the true nature of the game.' The incident is thought to have involved Morrison and Harriers defender Mark Creighton (who had been substituted) and taken place in the Harriers dressing room. Morrison was thought to have been angry with Creigthon over a first-half challenge that resulted in City player Adam Webster being stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle. Later tests showed that the City player did not in fact suffer a break.

Harriers make point at the Pirelli

2006-08-16T17:10:00.001Z

Kidderminster Harriers battled to a point at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium last night.

Kiddy boss Mark Yates surprised many of the 200+ travelling support by dropping strikers Dean Sturridge and Andy White and instead opting to play Luke Reynolds as the lone frontman in a 4-5-1 formation.

The first half was a closely fought affair with the Harriers showing that they were not about to show the soft underbelly that saw them undone against St. Albans on Saturday. Burton showed glimpses of why they are expected to be a dangerous side this season and it was Keith Gilroy who was often the Brewers' danger man.

Early on, Gilroy drew a late challenge from Jeff Kenna on the edge of the box but former Harrier Andy Ducros put his curling free-kick over the bar.

Harriers fans were often left frustrated by the ease at which Albion's players hit the ground and Russ Penn found himself in the referee's book in the first half. After 15 minutes Brian Smikle, starting his first game in a Kidderminster shirt, had a shot blocked by Tinson following good work from Blackwood. Shortly afterwards, Luke Reynolds dragged a shot wide following his own good running. Reynolds showed much enthusiasm and energy throughout the game and didn't seem to mind playing as the lone striker. Reynolds was supported by Russ Penn who played the farthest forwards out of Harriers three central midfielders. Penn shone throughout the game with his tireless effort and probing runs and was unlucky to see a 20-yard shot saved by Kevin Poole in the Albion goal.

Brewers fans felt they should have had a penalty as the first-half came to a close. Gilroy's fantastic 30-yard effort beat Bevan only to rebound off the bar into the path of Albion forward Shaun Harrad. It seemed that Harriers' Cowan had brought down Shaun Harrad just before he was about to make contact with the ball but the referee adjudged that Cowan won the ball before making contact with forward.

However, Burton did take the lead deep into the first-half injury time. Harriers failed to pick Gilroy up midway into their own half and the midfielder produced a superb through ball for the dangerous Daryl Clare. Clare managed to get a few yards on Mark Creighton and powered the ball first time past Bevan from just inside the penalty area.

Harriers started the second-half with renewed determination and pegged Albion back with a spell of corners and throws deep in Burton territory. Scott Cowan nearly drew Harriers level with a powerful header following a Sedgemore free-kick. Cowan's header was firm enough yet Poole was fortunate enough to be in the right place to divert the effort away from goal. Harriers did draw level shortly afterwards following a long throw from Jeff Kenna. Burton failed to clear their lines and Russ Penn was on hand to half-volley the ball through a crowd of players to make it one each.

The rest of the second-half was largely without clear cut chances and Harriers hopes looked to be pinned on a counter-attack. Burton made changes but could not break down the Harriers more resolute defence.

Gavin Hurren replaced Kenna at right-back but Mark Yates stuck with his system and indicated that he was content with a point. He resisted the temptation to bring on Dean Sturridge and the exhausted Luke Reynolds was only replaced by Andy White in stoppage time.

Harriers deserved their first point of the season and hope will be renewed amongst supporters following Saturday's poor home defeat to St. Albans.

Kiddy travel to Cheshire to face Northwich Victoria this Saturday. Mark Yates will hope to have Jamie McClen back from a back injury so that he can choose from a fully fit squad. The Vics lost two-nil at home to Morecambe last night following an open day victory at Cambridge last Saturday.

Harriers make point at the Pirelli

2006-08-16T17:10:00.000Z

Service will resume

2006-08-15T11:50:00.000Z

Apologies for lack of updates over the last 10 days- this is due to a badly timed holiday!

Kidderminster Harriers Unofficial News will resume normal service tomorrow with reaction from today's Conference match at Burton.

Hereford make winning start

2006-08-05T17:51:00.000Z

Hereford United, who made it to League 2 last season via the play-offs, got their first Football League campaign for nine years off to a winning start today with a two-nil win at Stockport. Fleetwood and Makandawire got the goals for the Bulls who spent long periods of the game soaking up County pressure. Former Harrier Gareth Sheldon, who's summer move to Edgar Street was somewhat of a surprise, started the game but was substituted after 71 minutes.

Conference champions Accrington Stanley lost two-nil at Chester. Former Harriers hitman Drewe Broughton, making his debut for Chester, opened the scoring early on with a free header. Blundell got the second from the spot. John Danby was in goal for Chester who also has Dean Bennett in their starting eleven.

Cheltenham Town made an impressive start to life back in League 1 with a win at Swansea.

Other former Harriers on the scoresheet today included Colin Larkin (Chesterfield), Andy Bishop (Bury) and Simon Brown (Mansfield).

Worcester v Kidderminster

2006-08-05T17:46:00.000Z

Kidderminster were two goals to the good today when the friendly with Worcester City was abandoned with 15 minutes remaining (see below).

Mark Creighton and Michael Blackwood grabbed Kidderminster's goals. Harriers lined up as follows:

Bevan, Kenna, Harkness, Hurren, Creighton, Penn, Smikle, McClen, Blackwood, White, Reynolds

Please note: the details in the story below are alleged and a Kidderminster Harriers statement can be seen at www.harriers.co.uk

Friendly ends in farce

2006-08-05T15:55:00.000Z

Kidderminster's friendly at Worcester today was sensationally abandoned when Mark Yates ordered his players off the pitch.

It is thought that Yates was unhappy with an alleged incident that occurred in the changing rooms involving Harriers' Mark Creighton and a member of Worcester's backroom staff. Creighton had just been substituted and it is believed the Worcester assistant manager may have confronted the player following an incident earlier in the game where a Worcester player suffered an injury.

It seems that Yates asked the referee to address the incident and, when the referee did not do anything, Yates decided to remove his players.

12th man revealed

2006-08-05T15:12:00.000Z

Harriers latest signing is Stuart Berrington. Harriers fan Berrington is the winner of the club's auction for a place in Harriers 2006-2007 squad. Stuart will take his place in his shirt for Harriers' squad photocall next week and his name and profile will appear in every programme, home and away, this season! The result was announced at the clubs Sponsors' Evening on Thursday evening. Congratulations Stuart!

Meanwhile, the club are still inviting supporters to submit questions for next weeks fans forum. Boss Mark Yates and Chairman Barry Norgrove will face fans in the Aggborough Suite next Thursday just two days before the season opener against St. Albans.

Harriers Chairman nearly quit

2006-08-03T11:43:00.000Z

Kidderminster Harriers' Chairman Barry Norgrove has revealed he nearly quit his position at the club after just two months at the helm. Norgrove successfully took control at Aggborough last July following lengthy dealings with former Chairman Lionel Newton regarding his controlling shares in the club.

Norgrove has today revealed to the Kidderminster Shuttle that he was shocked to learn about the bills and debts he inherited as the incoming KHFC supremo. In a revealing interview Norgrove finally lifts the lid on some of the turmoil the club has gone through over the last 12 months:

the late takeover deal meant preparations for our first season back in the Conference were hindered with Stuart Watkiss (Harriers then manager) unable to bring in the players he wanted
money that had been put forward to be invested in the club/squad was quickly used up paying debts and bills
the club have been paying 7-8 former players over the last 12 months including Micky Mellon (who left 20 months ago), Sean Flynn, Martin O'Connor and former boss Stuart Watkiss- again, this ate into the playing budget for 2005-2006
the club is now a happier place following the departure of many of the previous backroom staff and the introduction of the likes of Neil Howarth and Ian Foster
Jan Molby would often return to Liverpool between games whereas Mark Yates, by living locally, is prepared to work all hours to take the club forward
his home life and personal business has suffered due to the stress of keeping the club running and poor performances on the pitch- Norgrove reveals he thought of resigning just two months into the job because of abuse from fans and the difficulties at the club

However, Norgrove now claims that the club's fans can genuinely look forward to the future under an ambitious and hard working Mark Yates. The club are now only paying players in the current squad and Mark Yates has been able to come to the board with a request to sign any player he wishes- obviously, each player, and the resources needed to bring him in, is discussed individually but Norgrove is keen to emphasise the good working relationship between the board room and the dug out.

Club director and millionaire Gordan Howard has also returned to the fold following the fantastic news that his teenage daughter, who was diagnosed with cancer, has gone into remission. It is hoped that the Bermuda-based business man will be able to have more of an input into the club this season.

Sturridge tipped to be a hotshot

2006-08-02T15:58:00.000Z

Dean Sturridge has been tipped to be amongst the Conference top scorers next season by SkyBet. Sturridge's move to Harriers raised one or two eyebrows in non-league circles given that the player had, until recently, been playing Championship level football.

Harriers fans will be hoping Deano comes up with the goods in front of goal. Last season's top scorer, Iyseden Christie, moved to Rochdale in the January transfer window and behind him came Taiwo Atieno (5) and Luke Reynolds (4). Sturridge is 12/1 to be top marksmen with Burton's Daryl Clare and Stevenage's Tony Thorpe fancied at 10/1. Andy White is priced at 33/1

Odds for the Conference top scorer:

Clare D 10/1
Thorpe T 10/1
Boylan L 12/1
Sturridge D 12/1
Twiss M 16/1
Basham S 16/1
Donaldson C 16/1
Phillips L 20/1
Stamp D 20/1
McDonald C 20/1
Stansfield A 20/1
Griffin C 25/1
McLean A 25/1
Oli D 25/1
Killeen L 25/1
Odubade Y 25/1
Fortune-West L 25/1
Purser W 25/1

Sky Blues sink Harriers

2006-08-02T10:48:00.001Z

Harriers last night lost at home by five goals to one in front of a crowd of 834 to Championship outfit Coventry City.

Harriers starting line-up was Taylor, Kenna, Harkness, Creighton, Whitehead, McClen, Penn, Sedgemore, Blackwood, White, Sturridge

Harriers took the lead on 9 minutes when Michael Blackwood disposessed David McNamee and calmly slotted the ball home from a narrow angle. However, City's slick passing and superior movement meant that a Sky Blue victory was never really in doubt.

City levelled on 23 minutes thanks to a drive from trialist Faygal El Idrissi and then made it two after 33 minutes thanks to a Dele Adebola close range header. Adebola made it three just before the break as he ran clear and beat Taylor in the Harriers goal to score his second of the game.

Coventry scored twice more after the break as substitutions resulted in a stop-start affair. Adebola completed a hat-trick with a 63rd minute header and Moussa N'Diaye scored the fifth with in the 84th minute.

For Harriers, Steve Taylor played 90 minutes in goal but fans will still expect to see Scott Bevan claim the goalkeeper starting berth a week on Saturday. New boy Jeff Kenna played 78 minutes whilst Creighton, Sedgemore and Penn managed all 90. McClen's move to the right-side of midfield did him no favours and Smikle and Russell will likely battle it out for that spot for the St. Albans opener. Yates still hasn't made it clear who will be his centre midfield two from McClen, Penn and Sedgemore and, similarly, he has options from Creighton, Whitehead, Hurren and Kenna for his centre-back partnership- indications are that he will go with Creighton and Whitehead with Kenna playing at right-back.

Many feel it is, again, two from three for the two striking positions- Sturridge, Reynolds and White will all feel they warrant a starting place with Scott Eaton probably accepting he may have to wait for his chance in the first team. Sturridge, Reynolds and White all have different attributes and it is up to Yates to decide which partnership will compliment the most.

Yates has his last chance at tinkering this Saturday as Harriers face old foes Worcester City at St.Georges' Lane. Yates may well opt to start the game with the XI who will face St. Albans in the Conference curtain opener a week later.

Trialist Preece ends up at the Lawn

2006-08-01T20:18:00.000Z

19 year-old centre-back Mark Preece has signed a 6-month contract with Forest Green Rovers.

Preece featured for Harriers in a number of pre-season friendlies whilst also turning out for Forest Green. The youngster did pretty well in aHarriers shirt and there were those who thought Yates may have offered the former Bristol Rovers player a deal at Aggborough. This may have happened with the player preferring to choose Forest Green but, at the moment, it is assumed that Preece was released as a Harriers trialist along with many of the other hopefuls.

Forest Green's club secretary released the following statement on their official forum:

The club have offered defender Mark Preece an opportunity to establish himself as a Conference National player. Just turned 19, Mark had previously been with Bristol Rovers and he has made several good impressions pre season at FGR. With the experience of Christian Edwards and Tony Butler and other seasoned pros at the club, it is felt that Mark could very well reach his potential. Certainly it is looking good for the club as an even younger Paul Stonehouse has been setting bench marks to the other players. Initially, Mark has signed up until 30th January 2007.

17/1 for the title

2006-08-01T19:48:00.000Z

Harriers are currently 17/1 with William Hill to win the Conference next season. William Hill clearly see Harriers of more than a threat than www.bet365.com who place Harriers at 26/1 to take the Championship. Coral rate Harriers chances as slimmer as Mark Yates men are given a price of 28/1. However, Coral will give you 14/1 on Harriers regaining their Football League place via the title or the play-offs whilst www.bet365.com offer 12/1 for a Harriers promotion. If you are a sadist Harriers fan you can get odds of just 4/1 with www.bet365.com that Kiddy will get relegated.

William Hill's full set of title odds can be seen below. Stevenage Boro still remain favourites by virtue of their strong showing last campaign, and relegated Oxford are also fancied. St. Albans, Stafford, Forest Green, Altrincham and Crawley are all tipped to be amongst the strugglers.

Stevenage
9/2

Oxford
6/1

Morecambe
8/1

Grays
9/1

Rushden
10/1

Halifax
11/1

Exeter
12/1

Aldershot
12/1

York
16/1

Weymouth
16/1

Kidderminster
16/1

Burton
16/1

Cambridge
20/1

Northwich
25/1

Woking
28/1

Dagenham
28/1

Stafford
40/1

Gravesend
40/1

St Albans
50/1

Southport
50/1

Forest Green
50/1

Altrincham
50/1

Tamworth
66/1

Crawley
100/1

Site plea

2006-08-01T19:41:00.000Z

Harriers drew nil-nil with Halesowen Town last Saturday.

Kidderminster Harriers Unofficial News apologises for the slow updating of this Harriers news story. Match reports for this game can be found at:

www.harriers.co.uk
www.harriers-online.co.uk
www.kidderminsterharriers.com

Once again, the site editor is looking for another Harriers fan to come on board to keep this blog updated as often as possible. If you have your pulse on KHFC and Conference Football I need to hear from you: jonosmithuk@yahoo.co.uk

Burgess joins the Boro

2006-08-01T19:35:00.000Z

Former Harrier Daryl Burgess has signed for Conference North side Nuneaton Boro.

Centre-half Burgess arrived at Aggborough last close season with a wealth of Football League experience. The 35-year old spent most of his career at The Hawthorns with West Brom but also had spells at Northampton and Rochdale. He made 37 appearances for Harriers last season but never really became a crowd favourite with the Aggborough faithful despite captaining the side on many occassions.

Kenna signs in at Aggborough

2006-08-01T19:24:00.000Z

Harriers have announced the signing of former Birmingham City captain Jeff Kenna.

Kenna was club captain at Championship side Derby County last season but was released at the end of the campaign. The Dublin born defender, who is expected to take up one of the full-back positions in Mark Yates' squad, has a wealth of experience at the top level of English football in a career taking in stays at Southampton, Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. Kenna, who has represented the Republic of Ireland 27 times, is now 35 years old and has signed a one-year deal at Aggborough.

Kenna's playing statistics:

Born: 27.08.1970, Dublin, Ireland
Height: 5ft 11in
Weight: 12st 2lbs

Ca$reer:
1989 to 1995 Southampton 124 appearances (starting appearances including league, FA and league cups)
1995 to 2002 Blackburn Rovers 185 appearances
2001 Tranmere Rovers (loan) 11 appearances
2001 Wigan Athletic (loan) 7 appearances
2002 Birmingham City (loan) 6 appearances
2002 to 2004 Birmingham City 71 appearances
2004 to 2006 Derby County 68 appearances

Kenna is in the Harriers squad to face Coventry City at Aggborough in Harriers penultimate warm-up game.

Two sign on at Kiddy

2006-07-28T09:36:00.000Z

Harriers yesterday announced the signings of Brian Smikle and Scott Eaton.

Smikle, who has featured and caught the eye in all pre-season friendlies, is a young winger who spent time as a trainee with West Bromwich Albion. Smikle enjoyed his first tast of senior football with Hereford United in 2005 when he made 3 appearances whilst on-loan at Edgar Street. He also had a run in the play-off chasing Halifax Town side towards the end of last season- again on loan. Upon his release from the Hawthorns in the close season Harriers boss Mark Yates was quick to invite the player to Aggborough. It is fair to say that Smikle has been the most impressive player in pre-season and Yates was delighted when he accepted a one-year deal at Aggborough:

He's a great lad with a great attitude and he's done well. He's something different to what we've got and he's got plenty of pace and he can get into wide areas.

Harriers have also announced the signing of young forward Scott Eaton. Eaton scored 11 goals in Harriers youth team last season and he has also found the back of the net in the friendly games this season- most notably a 30-yard effort at Bromsgrove. Eaton will probably start the season behind Dean Sturridge, Andy White and Luke Reynolds in the pecking order for first team. Eaton is looking forward to his first season as a professional:

From now on its all about working hard ready for the new season. I enjoy having a lot of shots and I love trying to get on the end of anything.

The two signings bring Harriers squad up to 18 (including assistant boss Neil Howarth). Mark Yates has signalled that two more faces are likely to make up the squad with the full-back positions being a priority. Yates is thought to be monitoring a right-back although the new players look unlikely to come from any of the other trialists who, it is thought, have been let go by Yates.

Harriers humbled by Swifts

2006-07-27T11:04:00.000Z

Kidderminster Harriers lost their first pre-season game last night as they went down by two goals to nil at Southern League Midland Division One side Stourport Swifts.

Harriers again fielded a clutch of trialists in their starting line-up, including full-backs Briscoe and Anderson, Jordan Fitzpatrick and centre-back Mark Preece. With three friendlies left to play, Mark Yates will not have been impressed with the performances of some non-signed and signed players as Harriers struggled to settle down at Walshes Meodow.

The starting forward partnership of Andy White and Dean Sturridge looked decidedly toothless as neither player seemed willing to chase the ball or create their own space. Brian Smikle, the young winger who is stongly tipped to become a permanent signing, was again a bright spot on the right-hand side. Things improved in the second half with the introduction of Penn and McClen in midfield but Harriers still looked unlikely to trouble Swifts goal.

A full match report can be read here:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10438~873145,00.html

Harriers fans will be expecting to see a more settled side when Harriers travel to Halesowen Town on Saturday (3pm) and will look forward to the visit of Coventry City (7.45pm) on Tuesday night. Kiddy finish their pre-season preparations at Worcester City (3pm) the following Saturday.

** Meanwhile, former Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has been given the chance to get back into senior football management at Grimsby Town. Watkiss has been appointed assistant manager at Blundell Park.

Bromsgrove 0 v 4 Harriers

2006-07-24T10:58:00.000Z

Such a scoreline ten years ago would have filled the hearts of Kiddy fans with joy but, nowadays, it simply signals an efficient friendly win against opposition from lower down the pyramid.

Mark Yates again chose to cycle his group of players between both halves of the game, but the Harriers still managed a convincing victory on a hot day.

A match report can be seen here:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10438~871084,00.html

Harriers goals came from the impressive Sedgemore, Michael McGrath, Bob Taylor and Scott Eaton.

Steve May, a right-back formerly with Brighton, played the first 45 minutes and was the only new trialist of the game. Of the previous trialists, only Brian Smikle, who again impressed, Jordan Fitzpatrick, Mark Preece, Martin Naylor and Scott Eaton remained.

After the game, boss Yates talked about the problems he and assistant Neil Howarth faced in deciding who of the unsigned players to offer deals to.

Courtney rejects Harriers

2006-07-21T17:18:00.000Z

Mark Yates has been knocked back following an attempt to sign a player he coached whilst at Burnley.

Duane Courtney, a 21-year old defender, was advised by his agent to turn down the move to Aggborough, with the players advisor believing a better offer will come his player's way.

Courtney was signed for £25,000 by Clarets manager Steve Cotterill after winning the Player of the Season award at AFC Telford for 2004-2005. However, the youngster found first team opportunities hard to come by at Turf Moor, finding it difficult to oust Michael Duff from the right-back spot. Courtney played for Derby as a schoolboy and Birmingham as a trainee.

Be Kiddy's 12th man!

2006-07-21T12:07:00.000Z

Kidderminster Harriers have launched another fundraising scheme and have given one lucky Harriers fan the chance of being included as part of next season's playing squad.

The winner of the competition will be officially registered as a Harriers player and given the number 12 squad shirt. The auction winner will also get to appear in the team's roll-call squad photo shoot and will appear in the KHFC squad list in all programmes, home and away, next season.

When the 2000 seater East Stand was built at Aggborough, the club ran a similar scheme whereby a supporter had the chance to name the new structure. However, whilst that competition was a straight raffle, the squad-number will be auctioned to the highest bidder. Fans (and businesses) are invited to email their offer to the club by Thursday 3rd August at info@harriers.co.uk. The bids will be revealed at a Sponsors Evening in the Aggborough Suite later that day.

It is hoped this venture will raise extra revenue for the club. The club and Kidderminster Harriers Supporters Trust (KHIST) also recently launched the Red Army Fund where fans have the opportunity to contribute directly to Mark Yates' playing budget. See http://www.khist.org.uk/06ra.htm

Danby Chester's number 1?

2006-07-21T11:05:00.000Z

Former Harriers goalkeeper John Danby looks set to be Chester City's first choice goalkeeper. Danby, who was released by Mark Yates at the end of last season, made 80 appearances for the Harriers in a five year spell at Aggborough. One or two eyebrows were raised when Yates let the keeper, who is still only 22, go.

Chester boss Mark Wright is keen to sign another keeper but accepts that Danby may well start the season between the sticks at the Deva Stadium. Wright is keen to get Danby some training with a Premiership club so that the shot-stopper can work on a few aspects of his game.

Article from Chester Chronicle:

CHESTER City want John Danby to train with a Premiership club to get the rookie keeper in shape for a possible first-team debut on August 5. Danby was signed from Kidderminster Harriers in May to provide back-up to a more experienced number one. But the subsequent departure of Chris MacKenzie and Wayne Brown has left the 22-year-old as the only keeper currently on the Blues' books. City manager Mark Wright has not given up hope of bringing in a senior stopper, but time is running out fast and Danby could find himself playing in Chester's League Two opener against Accrington Stanley next month.Wright said: 'We're trying to get John to go out to a few Premiership sides to get some coaching. If we can, we'll try to ask a few favours.'He needs to work on a couple of things and we haven't got a goalkeeping coach, so it's difficult for him.'If we had an experienced goalkeeper here now, he'd be coaching him.'

Harriers scrape past Cinderford

2006-07-20T21:50:00.000Z

Kidderminster have won 2-1 in Gloucestershire this evening by beating Southern League Western Division 1 side Cinderford Town. Goals from full-back Johnny Harkness and winger Michael McGrath gave Harriers the advantage before Cinderford hit back.

Rookie goalkeeper Steve Taylor, who played the whole game, was Harriers saviour as he saved TWO Cinderford penalties.

Harriers included veteran former Leicester full-back Rob Ullathorne in the squad and the defender started the game for Harriers.

Harriers used over 20 players and other triallists involved included Anthony Edkins, Mark Preece, Brian Smikle and Jordan Fitzpatrick. Bob Taylor again featured and Dean Sturridge also started his first game in a Kidderminster shirt.

Harriers boss Mark Yates was quick to put the emphasis on fitness at this stage of pre-season but was pleased that his players had been in a match. He said:

It was important everyone got something out of the 45 minutes they had, and expressed themselves, thats the main thing at the moment.

Harriers face former Conference rivals Bromsgrove Rovers in another pre-season game on Sunday. The trip to Victoria Road will be reminder of the battles between Rovers and Kiddy in the 90's and will emphasise the different directions both clubs have gone since those days.

Birch u-turn!

2006-07-20T21:48:00.000Z

Lincoln City revealed earlier today that Gary Birch HAS now signed a one-year deal at Sincil Bank.

It had been reported that the former Harriers player was set to leave the Imps (see story below).

Former Harrier leaves Imps

2006-07-20T10:33:00.000Z

Striker Gary Birch has left League 2 side Lincoln City after failing to agree a new contract.

Birch was offered a new deal by City in May of this year. Because Birch made over 25 appearances for the Imps this triggered a clause in his contract saying that Lincoln must offer him a new deal. However, Birch reportedly wanted a two-year deal and midweek living expenses so as to avoid so much travelling from his West Midlands home.

Birch scored 10 times in 45 games for Lincoln and his release is sure to interest a number of League 2 and Conference clubs.

Birch played 14 times for Stuart Watkiss' Harriers in the relegation season of 2004-2005. He scored 3 goals.

Forest Green chasing Preece

2006-07-20T10:28:00.000Z

Harriers triallist Mark Preece is being chased by Conference National rivals Forest Green Rovers. Rovers boss Gary Owers is keen on the 18-year old former Bristol Rovers centre-back who has appeared for the Gloucestershire club in two friendlies against Swindon and Bristol City.

Rovers boss Owers said:

Mark has done well for us in the friendlies and I like him as a lad. The problem we have is that he's playing half a game for us one day and half a game for Kidderminster the next, when ideally I would like a longer look at him.He's one of a few options we're looking at and we're aiming to sort things out in the next seven to 10 days.

Sky Blues to visit Aggborough

2006-07-20T10:07:00.000Z

Micky Adams has agreed to bring his Coventry City side to Aggborough Stadium for a friendly on Tuesday August 1st.

Harriers were keen to arrange another game following Wolves' decision to cancel their trip to Aggborough.

Mark Yates said:

They'll be sending down a full-strength side and it'll be a great test for both teams and hopefully an entertaining game.

Harriers 0 v 0 Albion

2006-07-15T15:34:00.000Z

Kidderminster have today drawn nil-nil with a West Brom XI at a sun-kissed Aggborough Stadium. Just over 1100 fans turned up to see a youthful looking West Brom side held to a draw against a promising Harriers team.

A match report can be found via the official site here:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10438~868034,00.html

New goalkeeper Scott Bevan caught the eye in the first half with some confident cross catching and a few smart saves.

New signing from Redditch, Michael Creighton, also looked impressive at the heart of the defence.

Up front, Luke Reynolds and Andy White linked well at times and White was unlucky to have a goal ruled out by the referee after he shot smartly following a Reynolds lay-off. Winger Brian Smikle was also unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, seeing a 20-yard shot come off the post.

Harriers made many changes in the second half and lost some of their rhythm as West Brom enjoyed more of the ball. Dean Sturridge struggled to get into the game when he came on and Bob Taylor also made minimal impact.

Harriers travel to Cinderford on Thursday night for their third friendly.

Wolves cancel friendly

2006-07-14T14:58:00.000Z

Harriers pre-season plans have been shaken today as it has just been revealed that Wolverhampton Wanderers have pulled out of the friendly at Aggborough on 31st July.

Wolves play Villa two days earlier and were hoping to send a squad of fringe players to Aggborough. But former boss Glen Hoddle's departure and difficulties in recruiting new players are cited as reasons for the cancellation accoring to Wolves' official site:

http://www.wolves.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10307~867856,00.html

The article says that Wolves have promised to send a side to Aggborough later on in the season (assuming they have enough players).

Harriers have not yet said if they plan to try and arrange another friendly. Harriers current list of friendlies is listed below and it does look as though as if Harriers could do with facing some stiffer opposition to prepare for the coming season:

Saturday July 15th
West Bromwich Albion (h)

Thursday July 20th
Cinderford (a)

Sunday July 23rd
Bromsgrove Rovers (a)

Tuesday July 25th
Stourport Swifts (a)

Saturday July 29th
Halesowen Town (a)

Saturday Aug 5th
Worcester City (a)

In other news, Harriers boss Mark Yates has revealed that veteran striker, and West Brom legend, Bob Taylor will turn out for Kidderminster in tomorrow's friendly against the Baggies. Yates commented:

He's a good mate of mine and at the moment he needs games and it gives us an opportunity to have a good look at him. Its an arrangement that suits both parties.

Harriers currently have three signed and recognised strikers in Luke Reynolds, Andy White and Dean Sturridge.

Albion come to town

2006-07-14T14:40:00.000Z

Harriers entertain recently relegated West Bromwich Albion at Aggborough tomorrow in their second friendly of pre-season.

Kick-off at Aggborough is at the unusual time of midday. West Brom are sending another side to face Walsall for a 3pm kick-off and full-time at the Kiddy game will see many Albion fans at Aggborough rush off up the motorway to catch their sides second game. The attendance at Aggborough may also be affected if Albion fans decide to only make the trip to the Bescot Stadium.

West Brom have revealed that the weaker squad will be sent to face Harriers. This news will disappoint Mark Yates and many Harriers fans but is, perhaps, not surprising. Wallwork, Inamoto and Quashie are the only names of note in the squad to face the Harriers.

West Brom fans will also be interested in the players on show following the news that Gera has been denied a transfer request, Koumas has not turned up for training and Ellington has been rumoured to declare he wants out.

Entry to all parts of Aggborough is £10 for adults and £5 concessions.

Kiddy off to a winning start

2006-07-14T14:10:00.000Z

Harriers got their pre-season campaign off to a winning start with a convincing 5-1 win at Gloucester City last night.

First half goals from Russ Penn, Simon Russell and Scott Eaton gave Harriers a 3-1 lead at the interval.

A much changed Harriers side scored another two in the second half- triallist Brian Smikle got the 4th and the impressive Luke Reynolds rounded off the rout for Kiddy. Jamie McClen caught the eye in midfield and winger Smikle looked like he deserves another chance to impress

All triallists mentioned in yesterday's preview played some part in the game as Yates used 22 players.

Meanwhile, former Harriers player John McGrath has signed for Tamworth.

Match reports from last night game available here:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10438~867539,00.html

http://www.harriers-online.co.uk/season06-07/news06-07/news13-7-06.shtml

It's back! And triallists revealed

2006-07-13T10:16:00.000Z

The World Cup is over, and now its time for real football to return. Harriers travel to Gloucester City tonight in their opening friendly of their pre-season campaign.

In addition to new players such as Jamie McClen, Dean Sturridge, Andy White and Stuart Whitehead, Harriers' boss Mark Yates is set to include a number of triallists in the 20+ man squad.

Former Boston United right-back Ashley Edkins (pictured) and Total Network Solutions right-back Martin Naylor are included in the squad which may suggest that Yates plans to play new signing Stuart Whitehead at centre-back.

Also in the squad will be Brian Smirkle (pictured), a former West Brom and Halifax (loan) winger,
Jordan Fitzpatrick, a central midfielder formerly with Wolves, and former Luton midfielder Stuart Sinclair.

Defender Ashley Walker and striker Scott Eaton, youth teamers at Harriers last season, will also be included in the squad.

The game kicks off at 7.45pm and directions to the ground can be found in a previous article.

New boys looking forward to getting going

2006-07-13T10:02:00.000Z

Harriers new boys Jamie McClen and Dean Sturridge have spoken of their excitement for the new season just as pre-season friendlies are set to get underway.

Geordie McClen (pictured) has revealed that spirit in the Harriers squad is good and that he cannot wait to get started:

Training's gone well so far but we're all desperate to start playing now. There's a great set of lads here, the banter's already flying about and although there's a lot of new lads the spirit in the dressing room is good. The gaffer has worked us hard so far with running and everything and we've started to do some ball work now so I've been able to see the quality we've got in the squad.

McClen has also been speaking about how difficult it was to leave Newcastle, his boyhood club, after spending ten years at St. James' Park. McClen has had spells at Carlisle and Shrewsbury since his time with the Magpies but sees Aggborough as the perfect place to make a name for himself:

I had a couple of sniffs from clubs in the summer but nothing concrete. The gaffer here told me his plans and convinced me to come here and I'm sure I made the right decision.

Another new boy, striker Dean Sturridge, has emphasised the importance of pre-season in ensuring the squad start the new season with high fitness levels. Sturridge is quick to try and reduce any pre-season expectations fans may have and stresses the importance of getting fit as opposed to winning friendlies. Sturridge may come in for a bit of stick this Saturday as the former Wolves man will line-up for Harriers against a West Brom XI in Aggborough's first friendly of the season.

First friendly Thursday

2006-07-10T09:39:00.000Z

Harriers fans will have their first glimpse of Mark Yates' new look squad this week as Harriers travel to Gloucester City in their first pre-season friendly. Six players from Harriers starting eleven against Accrington on the last day of last season are no longer at Aggborough, and Kiddy fans will be hoping the freshening up of the squad will improve the clubs fortunes. Harriers finished 15th last season but will be hoping for a top half placing next time out. The opening friendly should give fans their first view of new players such as Dean Sturridge, Jamie McClen, Scott Bevan and Stuart Whitehead.

Thursday's game kicks off at 7.45pm at Meodow Park. Directions courtesy of www.t-ender.co.uk can be found below:

Leave the M5 at Junction 11 and follow A40 signs to Gloucester, at roundabout turn right (3rd exit) onto dual carriageway following A40 towards Forest of Dean, straight on at first roundabout. At second roundabout take A417 into City Centre bearing right around the Homebase island and follow signs to the Historic Docks along the Quay with River Severn on your right and the prison on your left. Take next right across the swing bridge onto Severn Road and then right again onto Llanthony Road/ Hempstead Lane past the Colin Campbell pub. The ground is signposted second right turn into Sudmeadow Road with Meadow Park and limited car parking on the left.

Revised title odds

2006-07-07T13:47:00.000Z

Harriers are still priced at 25/1 to win the Conference National outright next season at www.bet365.com

However, Stevenage Borough replace Oxford as favourites and are priced at 5/1.

Promoted side Weymouth are high up the list at 14/1 and Harriers' returning foes, Rushden and Diamonds, are priced the same.

Halifax, Grays, Morecambe and Exeter are also considered as title contenders.

Stevenage 5/1
Oxford Utd 11/2
Halifax 9/1
Grays Ath 10/1
Morecambe 10/1
Exeter 12/1
Rushden 14/1
Weymouth 14/1
York 16/1
Aldershot 16/1
Burton Albn 18/1
Cambridge 18/1
Northwich 22/1
Dag and Red 25/1
Kidderminster 25/1
Woking 28/1
Gravesend 33/1
Crawley 33/1
St. Albans 40/1
Stafford 40/1
Tamworth 50/1
Forest Green 50/1

Harriers announce fans forum

2006-07-07T13:31:00.000Z

Kidderminster Harriers have announced that they will hold a fans forum on Thursday August 10th- just two days before the season opener versus St. Albans.

Fans forums at Aggborough have, in the past, proved to be extremely popular events with Harriers fans being keen to snap up tickets for the chance to grill the Harriers' manager and board members.

Given that the next forum will be held before a ball has been kicked in anger in 2006-2007, one might expect the panel of Harriers representatives to come in for an easier time than they may have at previous forums. However, Kidderminster supporters will still have plenty of questions ranging from discussing team formations and new players to grilling the board on the club's playing budget and financial status.

Tickets for the event will be £10 to include and a fish and chips meal. Questions will have to be emailed to the club in advance- please see www.harriers.co.uk

Mark Preece to Harriers?

2006-07-05T18:19:00.000Z

Harriers may be running the rule over Mark Preece- a young central defender released by Bristol Rovers at the end of last season.

Speaking ahead of next Thursday's friendly between Kidderminster and Gloucester City, City manager Tim Harris speculates that Harriers will have the young centre back in the squad. Preece is well known to Gloucester as he made 15 appearances, scoring one goal, for the Southern League side. Here is Preece's profile as seen on an unofficial City site at http://www.t-ender.co.uk:

Preece came to City on loan (sorry, work experience) from Bristol Rovers as one of Tim Harris' first signings when he started bringing in players in January 2006. He quickly impressed the City fans and players with his composure under pressure and after a few games in the side really found his feet and made a stunning contribution with consistently good performances. Preece is rarely beaten in the air or on the ground and despite his size also looked comfortable on the ball when venturing forward. He found the net for City in the County Cup, ironically against Bristol Rovers, and was a pivotal part of the side that put together our best defensive record since the club moved to Meadow Park - going more than five games without conceding.

Much to the astonishment of the City fans Bristol Rovers took the decision to release Preece in May 2006. The player is hoping to earn a professional contract elsewhere while City fans will be nursing a hope that his obvious enjoyment of his time at Meadow Park may yet see him return permanantly. Although Preece never played for the Rovers first team he had tasted both reserve and youth football, and had rejoiced in a first team squad number of 38. Prior to joining the Gas he had picked up County honours with Somerset.

The Gloucester Citizen article is found at:

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=138492&command=displayContent&sourceNode=138485&contentPK=14836896&folderPk=80422

Brewers look at Thompson

2006-07-05T18:09:00.000Z

Burton Albion are reportedly looking at former Harriers man Lee Thompson.

Forward Thompson started 18 times in a Harriers shirt and also made 19 substitute appearances in a red shirt. He scored two goals. 'Thommo' was quite popular amongst Harriers fans because of his non-stop running, but it is not unfair to say that his Aggborough career never got up and running.

New boys at home for starters

2006-07-03T19:59:00.000Z

Harriers will open their Nationwide Conference campaign next season with a visit from newly promoted St. Albans City. St. Albans won promotion to the Conference National via the Conference South play-offs and come to Aggborough on 12th August.

All the fixtures can be found here:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/staticFiles/50/5d/0,,10438~23888,00.txt

Harriers second game will be a trip to the Pirelli Stadium as they tackle Nigel Clough's Burton Albion- this game will be a Tuesday night. Then Harriers travel to another newly promoted side in the shape of former foes Northwich Victoria. On August 26th Harriers face another of the newly promoted sides when much fancied Weymouth make the trip to Worcestershire.

Rushden and Diamonds visit Aggborough on September 2nd and Harriers will return to Nene Park on April 14th.

Harriers Boxing Day game will be a short trip up the M6 to Stafford Rangers. A trip to Southport may not be that welcome on 30th December and Cambridge visit Aggborough on 1st January 2007.

Harriers final game of the season will be away from home and will see Kidderminster visit Crawley Town.

KHFC AGM

2006-07-03T19:44:00.000Z

Kidderminster Harriers held their annual AGM on 27th June and Alan Shepherd, chairman of Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST), has helpfully written a report of the evenings proceedings for members of KHIST.

The key points to come from the meeting are as follows:

club chairman Barry Norgrove was keen to point out that the financial summary presented was for the year ending 31st May 2005 which reports upon the previous' chairman's tenure at the club
the financial summary for that season (relegation season) including a turnover of nearly £1.6 million and a loss of nearly £150,000
previous chairman Lionel Newton has written off an amount of his loan to the club and will write off the rest of the amount should Aggborough Holdings (current 'owners') satisfy other conditions
there appears to be no indication that the club is in serious financial difficulties
the current board are still able to sell blocks of shares in the club as a way of raising funds
The board is determined to re-establish KHFC as “the approachable fan friendly family based Club that brought us so much success in the past” and “in order to achieve our goals we all need to pull together”
chairman Barry Norgrove acknowledged the fans as the lifeblood of the club despite some opinions to the contrary

Mark Yates also made a few comments about the playing squad. He hopes to have a squad of 18-20 players and the club will run a reserve side next season made up of fringe players and youth team players.

Nike kits launched

2006-06-29T17:14:00.000Z

Harriers have today released pictures of the new club shirts for next season. The simple designs can be seen at:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10438~853623,00.html

Harriers' new signings Dean Sturridge and Stuart Whitehead are pictured modelling the kits on the newly grown Aggborough turf.

The home strip consists of a plain red shirt with white trim (said to be a darker red than last season), black shorts and red socks.

The away kit follows the same design except it is blue with a white trim. Socks and shorts both appear to be white.

The black home shorts are a departure from recent seasons when red, or most recently white, have been preferred. However, Mark Yates felt that black shorts were 'lucky' for Harriers last season on the few occassions they were worn in away games.

Harriers have a three year deal with Nike distributor Just Sport Pro Club. As part of the deal, the company will also run the club shop with Harriers hoping that this results in an improved range of goods and better stocking.

On the player front, Harriers boss Mark Yates has confirmed that he was close to bringing former midfielder Dean Bennett back to the club following his release from Wrexham. Chester City hijacked the deal late in the day as Bennett preferred to opt for league football.

Important fundraising initiative launched

2006-06-29T17:06:00.000Z

Kidderminster Harriers Football Club and Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters' Trust (KHIST) have launced a joint fundraising initiative aimed at directly improving the amount of money Harriers boss Mark Yates has to spend.

The 'Red Army Fund' has got off to a great start with a £1500 donation from KHIST. KHIST vice-chairman Dave Weaver is organising the initiative and is hopeful it will have a real impact on the team.

All the details, including the thoughts of manager Mark Yates, can be found in these places:

http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/RedArmyFund/0,,10438~853474,00.html

http://www.khist.org.uk/06ra.htm

A standing order mandate can be downloaded from the KHIST website for those who wish to set up monthly payments.

Fans will need to be realistic about what figures can be raised this way, but the venture is another positive move from KHIST, who are keen to forge closer links with the club, and it gives a chance for ANY fan to make a contribution whether a KHIST member or not.

Midfielder McClen signs for Harriers

2006-06-27T16:32:00.000Z

Harriers have signed their third player in two days with the news that 27 year-old midfielder Jamie McClen has signed a one-year deal at Aggborough.

McClen finished last season at Blyth Spartans but the player also had spells last season at Shrewsbury and League 2 promotion side Carlisle United.

McClen has actually only started about 20 first team games in his career having spent a large chunk of his time playing in his beloved Newcastle's reserves. McClen did impress some Toon fans with a short spell in the first team squad a few seasons ago which including a UEFA cup game. However, despite signing a contract extension in 2002 McClen never became a first team regular and he saw a succession of Magpie's managers prefer to splash the cash on foreign imports.

McClen's own website, at http://www.officialplayersites.com/players/mcclen/, contains a statement written in May of last year explaining how hard it was for Jamie to leave St. James' Park. McClen also desribes some bitterness he felt about being denied the opportunity to gain more first-team experience on-loan. Jamie then had short spells at Carlisle and Shrewsbury.

Shrews boss Gary Peters raised a slight question mark over the player's match fitness when he was talking about the Shropshire's clubs decision to not offer McClen a contract. Peters expressed that he was impressed with the player's ability but felt he couldn't take the risk of offering the player a relocation package for the player and his family to move to the midlands from the north-east. Kidderminster Harriers Unofficial News seriously doubts that Harriers would be willing to hand out generous relocation packages and it could now be the case that the player is willing to move away from his native north-east to get his career going.

Sturridge and Bevan sign in

2006-06-26T20:53:00.000Z

Harriers have made a busy start to the week by announcing the signings of striker Dean Sturridge and goalkeeper Scott Bevan on one-year deals.

The first deal of the day was the surprise capture of well-known forward Dean Sturridge. Sturridge, now 32, was probably best known as a Derby County player in the 90's. The Birmingham born player spent nearly ten years at Derby, some in the Premiership, making over 140 starts and scoring 61 goals for the Rams. Sturridge has been involved in transfers worth £700,000 and had spells at Leicester, Wolves, Sheffield United and QPR after leaving Derby. His post Derby days have been slightly blighted by injury, but he did enjoy two successful seasons at Molineux, including finishing top scorer in 2001-2002 where he netted 20 league goals in 27 games.

Sturridge was at Loftus Road last season with QPR, but has not played since November after suffering with hamstring and back injuries. Rangers' internet forums have seen their fans warn Harriers fans about Sturridge's lack of fitness, with the Loftus Road faithful feeling short changed by Sturridge's contributions last season. Despite these injury worries, Harriers fans will be optimistic that a player who has dropped three leagues will be able to make a worthwhile contribution to the side. And Sturridge, speaking to www.harriers.co.uk, has begun his Kidderminster career with a very positive interview where he demonstrated surprising knowledge about his new club:

Kim Casey was an absolute monumental striker that I admired when he played here. He contributed a lot and I'm looking forward to making my own contribution now.

The club has had a very difficult couple of years or so but I know it can definitely experience success once again and I hope I can help with that by scoring some goals and helping out as an experienced head back in the dressing room.

Sturridge also hinted that Yates may have some more positive signings in the pipeline:

Mark has told me about the sort of players he's trying to bring in and what he's aiming for next season and it really makes for a bright future here.

Harriers second acquisition of the day is 26 year old keeper Scott Bevan. Bevan became well known last season after he suffered near fatal kidney damage whilst playing for Tamworth against Forest Green. Bevan subsequently had a kidney removed and it was thought the giant keeper would not be able to play again. However, it seems Bevan has hauled himself back to fitness and the former Huddersfield and MK Dons stopper will probably claim the Harriers number one shirt next season. Bevan spent time on-loan with Tamworth last season and played a vital role in the Lambs FA Cup run. Tamworth fans were hoping to sign Bevan should he regain fitness, but Mark Yates has been first to secure the player's signature. Like Sturridge, Bevan represents a slight risk as there are bound to be question marks over the player's condition. However, Harriers fans will be cheered by today's news and a new air of optimism is likely to greet the team when they kick off the friendly campaign in a few weeks.

** Meanwhile, Harriers new Nike shirts will be unveiled on Thursday. **

Harriers squad needs bolstering

2006-06-24T09:59:00.000Z

With Harriers boss Mark Yates set to return from holiday and Harriers squad shaping up to return to training at the beginning of July, its time to have a look at the current squad and speculate how it may be added to in the near future. Here is a list of the current crop of signed players:

GK Taylor

DEF Whitehead
DEF Creighton
DEF Howarth
DEF Harkness
DEF Hurren
DEF/MID Sedgemore
MID Blackwood
MID Russell
MID McGrath
MID Penn
STR Reynolds
STR White

Looking around the Conference, there are sides that seem more ‘sorted’ and settled than the Harriers but, then again, there are plenty of sides who still have a full squad to find. Cambridge have been plunged into more turmoil amidst revelations of a deep rift at board level, and Southport have just one signed full-time player after deciding to become full-time during the summer. Aldershot manager Terry Brown has been complaining about the ‘manager merry-go-round’ affecting his search for players with the Shots currently having just 10 signed players the prospect of them playing a 3-6-0 formation is intriguing.

So what of Harriers? Our released goalkeepers have found new clubs, one moving up a level and one down a level, and we’ll keep on eye on their progress to see whether their release was a mistake or not. Rookie Steve Taylor has joined from Unibond side AFC Telford but another goalkeeper signing is a certainty. One would think Yates will go for experience and there are a number of well-known named keepers on the lookout for new clubs after having been released from League 1 and League 2 clubs.
As it stands, one could envisage a back four from the five of Hurren, Sedgemore, Harkness, Creighton and Whitehead. It is not clear whether assistant boss Neil Howarth, a centre-half by trade, will register as a player but his appearances, if any, are only likely to be in a crisis. It seems like a good idea to add at least one more defender to the squad as injuries and suspensions could leave us thin on the ground. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Penn, Blackwood, McGrath and Russell filling in at full-back at some point next season.

Stuart Whitehead, the experienced defender from Shrewsbury, may well be club captain next season but he may benefit from some more experience in the back line. Hurren did well at the back end of last season and 2006-2007 will be a big campaign for him. Creighton is a promising signing, but there is no guarantee he’ll instantly make a smooth transition from Redditch to Kidderminster.

With four midfielders signed up (five including Sedgemore), the team is screaming out for a playmaker and another ball-winner. Michael Blackwood, lucky to be offered a contract in my opinion, and Simon Russell are another two players with a lot to prove. The wide players were the ones we looked to last season to supply the goals but, unfortunately, goals didn’t come often enough. Russell Penn was definitely a plus point from 2005-2006. He grew as the season went on into a more mature, influential player and Yates will have to sign someone to partner him in the centre of the park. Michael McGrath, another signed from Redditch at the back end of last season, will battle with Blackwood for a place on the left.

Andy White and Luke Reynolds, Harriers dual strike force, have the potential to link up well next season. Reynolds showed signs of being a clinical finisher during his non-contract spell last season and full-time training will hopefully see him improve further. Andy White will be happy to be getting regular first team football again and will do the donkey work up front. White has the capability of roughing up Conference defenders and is no mug on the floor aswell as being a clear aerial threat.

Two strikers is, again, not enough and Yates must bring in back-up. Reynolds and White are not blessed with lightening pace and a player who has that attribute would be a welcome addition.

To conclude, it seems we need at least one goalkeeper, one defender, one midfielder and one striker- ideally more. It will be interesting to see the calibre of brought but it is important to blend a mixture of experience and youth. - many will probably come on trial in the first instance. It would be a dangerous ploy to fill a squad with young, ‘promising’ rookies but there have been plenty of examples of disappointing players coming from higher up the pyramid. Pre-season is just about to kick in and we don’t have long to wait to find out about the new personnel. By the time August comes round we will have a clearer idea of whether the KHFC board have decided to ‘go for broke’ for promotion or expect Mark Yates to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

Fortune-West to Diamonds

2006-06-23T20:26:00.000Z

Conference rivals Rushden and Diamonds have announced the signing of experieced centre-forward Leo Fortune-West. The 35-year old has signed a two-year deal and will replace Drewe Broughton as the Diamonds' target man.

Sheldon signs for Bulls

2006-06-23T20:08:00.000Z

More than one or two eyebrows have been raised today following the news that former Harriers midfielder Gareth Sheldon has signed for Hereford United. The Bulls, who won promotion to League 2 through the Conference play-offs, made a short statement on their official site revealing that the ginger midfielder has signed a one-year deal at Edgar Street.

Former Kiddy boss Stuart Watkiss signed Sheldon last summer after his release from Exeter City. Sheldon came to Aggborough with some decent reviews from Grecian fans although there seemed to be question marks over the 26-year old's fitness. This theory turned out to be correct and Sheldon never looked making an impact at Aggborough. Sheldon looked overweight and lacked sharpness whilst in a Harriers shirt and he failed to deliver on the talent he is said to possess. Sheldon still managed to appear 40 times in a Harriers shirt (scoring 3 times) although no tears were shed when news of his release was revealed.

Hereford boss Graham Turner is clearly an admirer of Sheldon as he tried to sign the player last summer. Sheldon chose Aggborough over Edgar Street, much to the annoyance of Hereford fans, citing more first team opportunities as his reason. It will be interesting to see if Turner can get more out of the former Scunthorpe and Exeter player than either Stuart Watkiss or Mark Yates. Sheldon is the second of Harriers released players to move up a level following John Danby's move to Chester City.

Hereford fans are understandably a little underwhelmed with their new signing. Here are some message board comments from Bulls' fans:

What a joke. If we're going to go into next season with a load of conference players, it may as well be the ones that got us promoted.

I doubt very much that Sheldon is going to be our star player who Turner builds the rest of the team around .

If he's wearing a Bulls shirt he'll get my full support,lets hope he can turn his game around.Hope he won't get crucified before he even kicks a ball.

Bennett joins Chester

2006-06-22T16:23:00.000Z

Former Harriers midfielder Dean Bennett has signed for League 2 side Chester. There had been speculation that the midlands born player had wanted to return to Aggborough but Bennett has opted for a two-year deal at the Deva Stadium following his release from Wrexham.

Bennett joins former Kiddy players Drewe Broughton and John Danby in Cheshire.

Centre-back signs

2006-06-22T06:59:00.000Z

Harriers have this morning announced the signing of Redditch United centre-back Mark Creighton. Creighton, who is 24, was previously at Aggborough as a youth player in the 1999/2000 season. He won Reddtich's player of the year accolade last season and was their club captain.

More news on this story later.

Former keeper joins Moor Green

2006-06-21T17:22:00.000Z

Harriers released goalkeeper, Danny Lewis, has signed for Conference North side Moor Green. Lewis made 20 appearances for Harriers last season when manager Mark Yates dropped number 1 regular John Danby. Many Harriers fans were surprised to see both goalkeepers released at the end of the season and there were those who considered Lewis a better prospect than Danby. However, it is Danby who finds himself as a Football League player next season as he has signed for Chester, whereas Lewis will have to make do with Conference North football.

Lewis joined Harriers in May 2004 from Midland Alliance side Studley after a short period on trial at the club. Prior to arriving at Harriers, the shotstopper forced his way into the Studley line-up after joining from Bromsgrove Sunday side Garringtons in the summer of 2002, conceding 40 goals in 37 games. Redditch-born, he is a former Alvechurch youth teamer, and he reportedly attracted plenty of scouts from clubs, including Coventry City, Crewe Alexandra, Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion before joining Harriers.

Harriers have signed young keeper Steve Taylor from AFC Telford, but will be looking to sign an experienced net-minder in the next few weeks.

County admit interest in Guinan

2006-06-20T16:55:00.000Z

Notts County have admitted they have been talking to Cheltenham forward Steve Guinan. Guinan turned down the Robins offer of a one-year deal saying he wanted more stability for his family. Guinan revealedthat there had been interest in him from League 2 and Conference clubs and there has been speculation amongst Harriers fans that Kidderminster may be among those clubs. However, it may prove difficult for Guinan to drop down to non-league.

Notts County manager Steve Thompson said:

Guinan is one I am pursuing. Obviously we are looking at a number of players, but he is one we are pursuing. Hopefully we will have a week as busy as last week with some positive results. We will have to wait and see though. Like I said we might not get all the players we want, but if we can get some of them then I will be happy.

Conference fixtures not out until July

2006-06-19T17:32:00.000Z

Reports suggest that the Conference fixtures will not be released until early July. Football fans from all across the country eagerly await to find out who they will face on the opening day of the season. Conference fans will also be keen to learn which sides they will face over the Christmas period as the Conference traditionally puts local sides together. The Harriers will be hoping for a shorter festive trip this year after they were paired with Altrincham last year. Stafford, Tamworth, Burton and Forest Green all seem preferable options.

Dates of the 3rd July and 6th July have been mentioned as possible fixture release dates.

The Premiership and Football League fixtures are released this Thursday.

Broughton joins Chester

2006-06-16T13:03:00.000Z

Former Rushden and Harriers striker Drewe Broughton has signed a two-year deal at League 2 side Chester City. There had been rumours that the 27 year-old striker was set to sign for Kettering Town, but the big man has got his wish and will still be a Football League player next season.

Broughton netted five goals in eleven games for Rushden at the end of last season, but it wasn't enough to keep the Diamonds up. Broughton decided to leave Rushden at the end of the season saying that he felt he was good enough to remain in League 2.

Harriers fans have mixed opinions about Broughton's time in a Kiddy shirt. Drewe scored 24 goals in 81 starts for Harriers, mostly under Jan Molby. Harriers paid out £50,000 (unheard of in these times) to Peterboro in January 2001 for the services of the striker. Broughton brought strength and aerial presence to the side, but often let himself down in front of goal. Broughton played for Southend and then Rushden after leaving Harriers.

Oxford favourites for title

2006-06-15T20:43:00.000Z

The latest 'league' club to be 'on-loan' to the Conference are favourites for the title next season. Oxford United are at 5/1 to win the league outright

Harriers find themselves below the likes of Burton, Weymouth and Northwich at 25/1.

Oxford Utd 5/1
Stevenage 6/1
Halifax 9/1
Grays 10/1
Morecambe 10/1
Exeter 12/1
Weymouth 16/1
York 16/1
Burton 16/1
Cambridge 16/1
Northwich 20/1
Aldershot 20/1
Kidderminster 25/1
Dagenham 33/1
Woking 33/1
Gravesend 40/1
Stafford 40/1
St Albans 40/1
Southport 50/1
Forest Green 50/1
Tamworth 50/1
Altrincham 50/1
Crawley 100/1

Crawley players up for grabs

2006-06-15T20:39:00.000Z

Crawley Town's player representative, David Woozeley, has revealed that all of the clubs players are actively seeking new clubs. The Red Devil's players have not been paid for weeks amidst the club entering administration. This news is sure to alert Conference managers who will be keen to pick off the cream of Crawley's squad.

Season ticket sales up on last year

2006-06-15T20:30:00.000Z

The Kidderminster Harriers board can count themselves a little fortunate that Harriers fans, despite suffering two disappointing seasons in succession, have shown their loyalty to the club by purchasing season tickets.

The club reported this week that over 430 season tickets had been sold which is 90 up on this stage last season. Barry Norgrove admitted he was relieved that so many fans had took up the early bird discount offer. Norgrove seems to be hoping for an average crowd between 1500-1700 next season and expects this to rise should Harriers do well.

Norgrove promised that season ticket money would be spent on the playing budget and other general costs including a recent refurbishment of the changing room facilities. The club are hoping to put the rent up for West Bromwich Albion reserves, who look likely to play at Aggborough again next season, and hope improved facilities will justify this.

The club have also revealed they are looking to extend their range of training facilities. Harriers do not own their own training ground but lease Brown Westhead Park from the local council. Harriers are keen to increase their options to avoid having to train on bad pitches during the winter.

Meanwhile, negotiations with potential players has been left with Neil Howarth and Norgrove himself while manager Mark Yates is on abroad. Yates will out the country until June 26th but Norgrove has revealed that this will not stop dealings with players and their representatives. Harriers are believed to be talking to a goalkeeper.

Southport appoint new boss

2006-06-14T07:01:00.000Z

Southport have appointed their first full-time manager since 1978 in Accrington Stanley's Paul Cook. Cook had been on the coaching staff with manager John Coleman at the Conference Champions, but has seen the move to Haig Avenue as the perfect opportunity to get his managerial career going. Cook made over 700 league appearances as a player for Coventry, Stockport, Burnley, Wigan and Tranmere.

Southport's former manager, Laim Watson, resigned at the end of May.

** Please see article below regarding help needed with the site **

Carey-Bertram joins Cambridge

2006-06-13T18:29:00.000Z

Former Hereford striker Daniel Carey-Bertram has signed for Conference rivals Cambridge United. There was hope amongst some Harriers fans that the pacy front-man would be a target for Mark Yates to join other forwards Andy White and Luke Reynolds.

This is how the story was broken on the Cambridge official site:

The 21-year-old (Carey-Bertram) joined Hereford from West Brom in August 2003 and scored nine goals in the Conference last season for the Bulls, who won promotion to the Football League last month via the play-offs.

In his three seasons at Edgar Street, Carey-Bertram scored 17 times in 32 starts and 38 substitute appearances, but he decided to leave in search of more first team football.A number of Conference clubs were interested in signing the pacy striker but he opted for Cambridge United and signed after passing a medical.

"We've seen good performances from him, and he's a good addition to the squad," said manager Rob Newman."He's got electric pace, he's an exciting player, and he was unlucky not to play more games for Hereford last year, so we're delighted to bring him in."

"He has a proven goalscoring record in the Conference and just lacked games at Hereford, so hopefully he can come to us and give us the pace we need in the Conference. If we play to his strengths then he will make us much stronger."

News on potential Harriers signings has been sparse of late and Yates may wait until July to clinch further signings.

Help wanted

2006-06-12T07:13:00.000Z

Help is wanted to run and edit this news service. There is currently only one person posting stories at the moment and, as such, I don't feel enough is going onto the site in a quick enough time.

So if you are:

a big Harriers fan
clued up with what's going on at the club and in the Conference
able to spare some time every day or two to post stories
able to understand VERY simple blogging

.... then please get in touch at jonosmithuk@yahoo.co.uk

Internet rumours

2006-06-08T06:59:00.000Z

During these domestic football free times, supporters of clubs like nothing better than to idly speculate on message boards about potential new signings. Is there substance in the story or is it simply made up? Who knows?

A favourite story is that former player Dean Bennett is set to return to the club from Wrexham. The all-action midfielder, now 28, left Harriers at the end of the 2003-2004 season after racking up over 200 appearances for the reds. Bennett was an integral part of the side that won promotion from the Conference in 2000. Bennett started just 12 league and cup games for the Welsh League 2 side last season and was released recently which only added fuel to the internet rumour.

The Bennett story only goes to emphasise the way any former Harriers player or loanee is often linked with the club. Craig Hinton's name has been mentioned, but there is no indication that Bristol Rovers would want to let the talented defender leave the memorial ground as Hinton has been offered a new deal.

A recent rumour suggests a Cheltenham player may be set to come to Aggborough. Another theme of Harriers rumours is any player who is, or who has been, at clubs that Mark Yates and Neil Howarth have been involved in is imminently set to come to Aggborough. This theory is supported by the signings of Shaun Taylor and Stuart Whitehead. Steve Guinan, Cheltenham's former Hereford striker, has publicly stated he expects to leave the Robins. Guinan, who notched some important goals in Cheltenham's promotion season, is unhappy at the terms of his new contract offer and wants a longer deal to give him and his family some stability. However, Yates may have already found his burly front man in Andy White, and Oxford are said to be the favourites for Guinan's signature. JJ Melligan, a former Harriers loanee, is another player who will be well known to Yates. Melligan was one of the in-form players in the first half of Cheltenham's season last year but the Irishman suffered a dip in form (including injuries) towards the end of the season and did not take part in the Robins' play-off final. Melligan was a very popular player during his loan spell with Aggborough (from Wolves at the time) but it seems unlikely that JJ would take a drop to the Conference if League 1 football was on offer. Other Cheltenham players mentioned as possibilities are Mike Duff, Gary Bradshaw, Michael Taylor or Michael Whittington.

Sheldon seen in Hereford? Or is it Bull?

2006-06-06T15:39:00.001Z

According to a Hereford fans forum, released Harriers midfielder Gareth Sheldon has been spotted in Hereford. This 'sighting' led some Bulls fans to speculate that the ginger haired winger could be set to sign for the promoted side. Understandably, not all Hereford fans reacted positively to the rumour a Harriers reject could join the Bulls.

It would certainly be very surprising if Sheldon did manage to get himself a contract with a league side. Sheldon joined Harriers last summer from Exeter with some positive references from Grecian fans. However, he stuggled to get into shape and rarely looked capable of making an impact in a game. Yates let Sheldon go in the end of season Aggborough cull.

Sowing the seeds of success

2006-06-05T16:31:00.000Z

Harriers' chairman Barry Norgrove has revealed that the club have splashed the cash in the hope of improving the Aggborough playing surface for next season. The club have paid for the turf to be dug up and re-seeded during the close season. It is thought that this is the reason for Harriers only having two pre-season home friendlies (Wolves and West Brom).

Mullins signs for Stags

2006-06-05T16:25:00.000Z

Johnny Mullins has signed for Mansfield Town and opted to play in the Football League. Harriers fans were hopeful that last seasons player of the season would sign for Kiddy because of his positive Aggborough experience and the fact his girlfriend lives in Bewdley. However, the lure of league football appears to have been too much for the young defender and he has signed a two-year deal with the Stags.

Here is how the story was published in the Nottingham Evening Post:

Mansfield have made utility man John Mullins their first signing of the summer. The 21-year-old defender or midfielder has joined on a two-year deal after being released by Reading at the end of last season.

Hampstead-born Mullins has spent much of the last two seasons on loan at Kidderminster Harriers. He was part of the side - along with Stags striker Chris Beardsley - that went down to the Conference in 2005.

"I wasn't going to be figuring much in the Reading side so I see the move to Mansfield as nothing but positive," said Mullins. "I was on loan at Kidderminster when they got relegated which wasn't too good but I am looking forward to playing in the Football League again. "I do not know a great deal about Mansfield Town, but I do know a few of the lads and I can't wait to get started.

"When the gaffer (Peter Shirtliff) contacted me I was delighted at the opportunity to come back into League football as I wasn't sure what was going to happen at Reading. Hopefully I will bring some quality to the side. I have a lot of energy and want to do well."

Shirtliff is delighted with his capture. "I am pleased about signing John as I think he is going to be an asset to the club," he said. "He can play anywhere across the defence and in midfield although I have brought him in for the right-back role. "I think he will bring some quality and he is a consistent player who arrives at Field Mill with a good pedigree. "At Reading they do a lot of good work in the coaching of players and, at 21, he is the right age for this football club.
"He has experience but he still has room to grow."

Mullins joined Reading as a trainee in July 2004 but did not make a first team appearance during his time there.

He made 46 appearances at Kidderminster and scored four goals.

White and Whitehead wing their way to Aggborough

2006-05-30T18:18:00.000Z

Harriers have today announced the signings of two new players.

Andy White (striker) and Stuart Whitehead (right-back) have joined the club after being released from Notts County and Shrewsbury Town respectively.

Bustling centre forward White is already well known to Harriers fans. The well travelled 24 year-old made 14 appearances in two loan spells for the Harriers during the 2003-2004 and 2005-2006 seasons. White's most settled period of his career cames at Mansfield where he made over 70 appearances for the Stags. However, since then the Derby born striker has had short spells at Boston (loan), Crewe, Burton (loan) and Notts County. White's potential was underlined when Dario Gradi surprisingly took him to Crewe to play in the Championship- White started 11 games and made 14 sub appearances for the Railwaymen, scoring 4 goals.

One feels that White does have the attributes to cause Conference defences problems and he will offer an aerial threat. Harriers fans may worry about a lack of pace up front if a partnership of Reynolds and White is preferred. However, Yates does still want to add to the squad and a move for another striker is not ruled out.

Stuart Whitehead, described as a right-back by www.harriers.co.uk, has signed a two-year deal. The 29 year-old has plenty of Football League experience with Carlisle, Darlington and Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury fans describe the Bromsgrove born defender as a "100% player" and Harriers fans will be hoping he adds some steel to a team that suffered too many high scoring defeats last season.

Harriers boss Mark Yates has revealed he is very happy with his signings but acknowledges there is more work to do. He has also revealed he has spoken to last season's fans player of the year, Johnny Mullins, about a move to Aggborough, but knows that Harriers have competition from League clubs. Mullins was a loanee at Aggborough last season but was released by Reading when the season ended.

** In other news, Cheltenham Town secured promotion to League One at the weekend following a one-nil win over Grimsby at the Millenium Stadium. Steve Guinan got the goal. Cheltenham will be hoping to last longer in League 1 this time, after only managing one-season last time they won promotion.

8 new players before first friendly

2006-05-26T16:05:00.000Z

Harriers manager Mark Yates has revealed he hopes to add 8 new players to his squad before the first friendly in July. Harriers travel to Gloucester City on Thursday 13th July to open a pre-season programme that includes just two home games. Yates revealed that offers had been made from other clubs to come to Aggborough, but a decision was made to try and protect the newly laid pitch.

Yates also reported that the players would do some pre-season preparation at 'Cheltenham University' involving overnight stays.

As the end of June approaches, many players will finish their contracts and the transfer market will be swamped with free agents. The next four weeks will surely be a test of Yates persuasive powers as he attempts to attract quality players to Aggborough in the hope of improving on last years disappointing league campaign.

Harriers hero returns as physio

2006-05-26T15:51:00.000Z

A Harriers hero has today made the unusual transition of returning to the club as physio. Ian Foster, still only 29, played for Nuneaton Borough this season in the Conference North. But Fozzie has today been unveiled as Harriers new physio.

Foster played for Kidderminster in two spells between 1999 and 2005 making over 160 appearances in a red shirt. Fozzie probably didn't score as many goals as his 100% committment deserved, and often played out wide, but is fondly remembered as Harriers top scorer (17 goals) in the Championship season of 1999-2000.

Foster is gushing in his comments about the club and his addition to the backroom staff is sure to give the club and its fans a boost. Speaking to www.harriers.co.uk Foster said:

I was still working on some of my (physio) qualifications when Mark Yates came back here as a player so he knew about it.

When the phone call came and he asked me about the job I nearly broke his wrist in trying to snap his hand off. I love this football club dearly and I love being around it. The fans have always been fantastic to me.

Foster, who lives in Kidderminster, went on to recall his happy memories of the Conference winning season. He also praised Mark Yates and his vision for the club:

After my conversation with him (Yates), similarly I said 'I want to be a part of that' and credit has to be given to Mark and his team for being able to convince players that this is where they want to play their football.

The full article can be found here: http://www.harriers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10438~833594,00.html

No mention is made of former physio Jimmy Conway who had been with the club for many years. However, it has been suggested amongst some fans that a falling out between Conway and the club had occurred.

Blackwood renews Harriers contract

2006-05-26T15:48:00.000Z

Winger Michael Blackwood has signed a new one-year deal at Aggborough. Some eyebrows were raised when the former Lincoln and Stevenage wide man was offered new terms by boss Mark Yates. Blackwood hardly set the pitch alight in a first season at the club that saw him start 29 games and score 3 goals.

Blackwood said he is settled at Kidderminster and is reluctant to keep moving clubs.

Crawley consider administration

2006-05-25T14:04:00.000Z

Crawley Town are considering going into administration. This news comes on the back of the award of 35K to former Red Devils managing director Steve Duly for unfair dismissal. Crawley have encountered a number of financial problems since the Majeeds paid £600,000 for the club last summer.

If Crawley did go into administration, it is not clear how the Conference would view the situation and whether sanctions would be applied to Crawley. The Conference officials are having a busy summer due to having already deducted Crawley points for exceeding the wage cap and also having to deal with Altrincham points-deduction appeal.

This story appears in Crawley's The Argus:

Sacked Crawley Town managing director Steve Duly has been awarded almost £35,000 for unfair dismissal as the crisis-hit football club considers going into administration. Mr Duly, 35, told an employment tribunal he was forced out of his £28,600-a-year job soon after his father John sold the club to the SA Group last summer.

The group, led by Azwar Majeed and his bankrupt brother Chas, then launched a smear campaign, criticising Mr Duly's management skills and wrecking his chances of getting a new job, the Croydon tribunal heard. He is the third former member of staff to successfully sue the club after being sacked, following in the footsteps of former manager Francis Vines and his assistant Dave Swindlehurst.

Mr Duly spent five months without a job after he was shown the door at Crawley Town last November and now has a casual job as an £11-an-hour sports club bar manager.
He said: "Chas Majeed went to the press and said I had left the club in a huge mess which has made it very difficult for me to find another senior job in the sports and leisure industry, where I have worked all my life. "The last few months have been very traumatic."

Mr Duly, of Felbridge, near East Grinstead, was made managing director when his father John bought Crawley Town club in 1999 and oversaw all aspects of management in the most successful period of the team's history. When the Majeeds bought the club for £600,000 last summer he was assured his job was safe as part of the conditions of sale, he said. But days later the Majeeds reneged on the agreement, the tribunal heard. Mr Duly said: "They told me they were bringing in a new general manager but were making me director of football and that I would be more involved in the playing side in terms of scouting and strategy."

Shortly afterwards former England captain and Brighton and Hove Albion manager Alan Mullery was drafted in as a consultant. Mr Duly said: "Effectively he was director of football and I no longer had a role." That month his wages were docked £50-a-week with no explanation and Chas Majeed asked for his resignation, he added. When he refused he was ordered off the premises and told he was on "gardening leave." He added: "They wanted me to take a £5,200 pay cut and change my contract."

In late January Mr Duly had received no communication from the club so submitted a formal grievance. Five days later he received his P45 in the post informing him his employment had ended on New Year's Eve, the tribunal heard. A week later he was amazed when he read a report in a newspaper in which Chas Majeed said he had inherited a mess from Mr Duly.
Mr Duly added: "There was a complete breakdown in trust and confidence and I resigned in late February, having not been paid for either January or February."

The tribunal found Mr Duly was wrongfully and unfairly sacked, the club had failed to follow statutory dismissal and grievance procedures and withheld £5,133 in wages plus £1,980 for holiday entitlement. He was awarded £25,000 compensation, £2,115 for unfair dismissal plus a further statutory payment of £375.

Mr Duly said afterwards: "I feel a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

The Majeeds were not at the tribunal to contest the claim.
A statement issued by the club later said: "Steve Duly sold the club to the SA group but still wanted to maintain the same control and power of his position when he owned the club."

It added: "His decision to sue the club contradicts his claims to have the best interests of Crawley Town at heart because it is the club who will suffer the financial repercussions of his claim."

Crawley Town have admitted they are in serious financial trouble. The Nationwide Conference has docked them three points from this season's table and fined them £5,000 for exceeding their agreed annual players' budget. Spokeswoman Gil Roberts said yesterday the club was considering administration.

Stevenage release half a squad

2006-05-25T13:58:00.000Z

Stevenage Borough, who are set to name a new boss shortly, have released SIXTEEN players.

The players are Dino Maamria, Ollie Berquez, Matt Hocking, Rob Quinn, Laurie Stewart, Micky Warner, Simon Weatherstone, Gary Schillachi, Eric Obinna, David Perpetuini, Kieron Deane, Shane Gore, Jefferson Louis, Barry Laker, Justin Gregory and Dannie Williams.

Conference round-up

2006-05-24T17:17:00.000Z

Grays have appointed their namesake, Frank Gray, as their new manager. Gray earlier quit his job as boss of Farnborough Town, and joins Grays on a two year deal. He is a former Leeds and Notts Forest defender and a former Scottish international. It was previously reported yesterday by the Swindon Vital Football site that ex-Swindon manager Andy King had been named as manager.

Hereford have released Jamie Pitman and Guy Ipoua- maybe this news will alert Harriers boss Mark Yates who is still looking to boost his squad. Former Bulls captain Tony James has signed for Conference newcomers Weymouth.

Aldershot boss Terry Brown has confirmed that he is in talks with 20 players as he looks to rebuild after a poor season, including ex-loanee Jonny Dixon who is likely to be released by Wycombe. Brown has completed a deal to take Cambridge City midfielder Mark Molesley on a free.

Forest Green have signed ex-Scarboro defended Kevin Nicholson, former Exeter winger Les Afful, and secured striker Julian Alsop on a new 12 month deal.

Morecambe have agreed new deals with Jim Bentley and Garry Thompson, but have released fringe players Michael Stringfellow and Jimmy Kelly.

Rushden have a Hart

2006-05-24T16:34:00.000Z

Rushden and Diamonds have appointed Paul Hart as their new manager. The Diamonds, who were relegated from League 2 last season after a five season stint as a league club, unveiled Hart as their latest boss yesterday. Hart has managerial experience at Chesterfield, Nottingham Forest and Barnsley.

Rushden also look set to close one of their stands next season. The Air Wair stand, usually used to house away fans, may be closed for the visit of most Conference clubs.

'Scholesie' signs on

2006-05-23T20:29:00.000Z

Harriers have announced that Simon Russell has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract. Russell, who committs himself to his third season at Aggborough, said I think the Conference will be an even harder league next season than the one just past. We've got objectives in mind to try and get into the play-offs and hopefully promoted.

Speaking to www.harriers.co.uk the former Hull winger admitted he hadn't been entirely happy with last season's showing:

Last season, personally I think I underachieved and didn't do as well as I know I should have done but now I'm focussing on putting things right.

Russell also went onto admit he has been doing weights in order to handle the physical aspects of the Conference. Similarly, he reveals he wants to improve his goals ratio.

Harriers are still waiting to see whether midfielder Michael Blackwood agrees a new deal.

Friendlies confirmed

2006-05-23T20:15:00.000Z

Harriers will play just two Football League Sides in their pre-season campaign. Harriers will play a West Brom and Wolves 'XI' in pre-season games.

Fixtures as follows:

13th July A v Gloucester City- 7.45pm (Southern League Premier Division - 2 below Harriers)

15th July H v West Brom- midday (Championship)

20th July A v Cinferford- 7.45pm (Southern League Division 1- 3 below Harriers)

23rd July A v Bromsgrove- 1.00pm (Southern League Division 1- 3 below Harriers)

25th July A v Stourport Swifts- 7.45pm (Southern League Division 1- 3 below Harriers)

29th July A v Halesowen Town- 3.00pm (Southern League Premier Division- 2 below Harriers)

31st July H v Wolves XI- 7.45pm (Championship)

5th August A v Worcester City- 3.00pm (Conference North- 1 below Harriers)

The Conference season begins on 12th August.

Altrincham relegated

2006-05-23T20:04:00.000Z

Altrincham have lost their appeal to the FA against their 18-point deduction for fielding an ineligable player.

The club were to be docked 18 points for playing an ineligible player which they lodged an appeal against. Today that appeal was rejected and the points deduction now put them at the bottom of the Conference and relegated to the Conference North. The 18 point penalty comes about because that is how many points they picked up in games that James Robinson played in without international clearance. Altrincham signed the player after he had a spell in Iceland, they claimed that decision was unfair. It seems that the Robins assumed he had clearance because Robinson had played a reserve game for Accrington. However, Accrington did not require international clearance to play Robinson in a reserve game.

There appears to be some bitterness towards Forest Green Secretary Colin Peake who had insisted the decision be upheld in letters to the Conference, the FA and other Conference clubs. However, it seems that an offence has been committed and it is only the punishment that can be considered unfair.

Another friendly for the diary

2006-05-22T15:56:00.000Z

Bromsgrove have announced that they will entertain Harriers in a friendly in July.

Kidderminster are yet to tell their fans a completed list of friendlies.

Harriers friendlies known so far:

15th July H v West Bromwich Albion
27th July A v Bromsgrove Rovers
5th August A v Worcester City

Hereford clinch promotion

2006-05-22T07:03:00.000Z

Hereford United finally clinched a return to the football league this weekend when they beat Halifax 3-2 in the Conference play-off final at Leicester's Walkers Stadium. Hereford were twice behind in the game but came back to leave the scores level at 2-2 on 90 minutes. The Bulls fans, numbering nearly 10,000, were finally sent into raptures in the 108th minute when Ryan Green scored the goal that takes them into League 2.

Hereford were elected to the Football League in 1972- thanks in no small part to their famous FA Cup replay victory over Newcastle United that season. Colin Addison led United to promotion in their first season in the League and they played the likes of Chelsea and Wolves in Division 3. However, this didn't last long and Hereford were back in Divison 4 by the summer of 1978. Since that time, bar a couple of decent promotion attempts, Hereford battled towards the bottom of the Football League. Fears grew for the club when automatic relegation was brought in to the Conferecne and the relegation finally came in the 1996-1997 season when Hereford drew with Brighton on the last day of the season. A win for Hereford that day would have relegated Brighton.

Hereford fans took to life in the Conference by wearing 'on-loan to the Conference' t-shirts which didn't particularly make them popular with the other Conference fans. It turned out to be quite a long loan spell as Hereford finished 6th, 13th, 8th, 11th and 17th in their first five seasons back as a non-league club. Through all this time Hereford were managed by the man who took them down, and who is now the major shareholder, chairman and general manager of the club. That man is Graham Turner. he actually said over the weekend that not a day goes by when he doesn't regret having purchased all those shares in Hereford!

In 2002-2003 Hereford finished 6th and then the following two seasons, United finished runners-up on both occassions and won a place in the newly introduced play-off system. The play-offs didn't seem to suit United as they came unstuck in the semi-finals to Aldershot and Stevenage in the respective seasons. However, it has turned out to be third time lucky for the Herefordshire club this season. After overcoming Morecambe in the play-off semi-final they beat Halifax on Saturday to secure a return to the League.

No doubt confidence will be high at Edgar Street and they will be looking to follow the example of the likes of Carlisle and Cheltenham in making an impact in the League. It will be interesting to see what kind of investment is made in their squad (and their crumbling stadium) and how the crowds hold up should they find themselves in the bottom half of the table.

Hereford's promotion may come as a blow to the Harriers coffers. Harriers recorded a 3000+ crowd (compared to an average of 1775) when Hereford's large travelling support visited Aggborough during 2005-2006.

News round-up

2006-05-20T14:49:00.000Z

Crawley Town have been deducted three points and fined £5,000 by the Conference for exceeding their annual player budget in the 2005/06 season. The points have been taken off Crawley's total which does not threaten their position in the Conference. In addition, £2,000 of the fine has been suspended for 12 months but may be invoked should the club be in breach of their approved budget again next term. Crawley exceeded the wage cap agreed at the start of last season. The sentence does seem somewhat lenient compared to Altrincham's 18-point deduction for fielding an ineligable player.

Morecambe have appointed Sammy McIlroy as permanent manager and given the former Northern Ireland boss a two-year contract. The Shrimps recently parted company with former boss Jim Harvey who suffered a heart attack last season. McIlroy took the role of caretaker manager for the rest of the term and secured Morecambe a play-off berth only for the Lancashire club to lose out to Hereford.

Former Harrier Abdou Sall has joined German Third Divsion side St Pauli according to reports. Sall played for Forest Green Rovers last term and was credited by their fans as one of the main reasons they stayed in the Conference.

Altrincham are still nervously awaiting the result of their appeal against an 18-point deduction which would sentence them to relegation. Altrincham have lodged their appeal against the Conference's decision to dock them 18 points for fielding an ineligible player earlier this season. Their appeal has been made to the FA and will be heard on 23 May. It follows a ruling that they should lose all the points gained while midfielder James Robinson, who did not have international clearance, played. Altrincham, who signed Robinson from Accrington, after a spell in Iceland, will go down if the punishment stands. The appeal will be heard by three members of the FA's sanctions and regulations committee.

Burton Albion have signed Scarboro player Lee Fowler.

Mark Stimson has shocked Grays by walking out on the club. He revealed the reasons behind his decision to quit the FA Trophy winners to BBC Essex:

I've had a great time at Grays and I want to make it clear I do not have a job lined-up, at the moment I am unemployed. My wife thinks I'm mad but I can now speak to people, whether my phone rings or not, only time will tell.

I would like to manage a team in the Football League. I'd like to either be there or with a club who can get there. Grays can be a League side but that will take time, I think this year we had a great chance because of the start we made. I'd be pleased to speak to clubs. If I could be choosy it'd be a League club as that would be the natural progression in my career. It's a massive gamble but the way it's gone at Grays has given me a chance to speak to other people and put my ideas across.

It has been suggested that Grays owners had made it clear that less money would be available for the playing budget next season.

Yates still chasing

2006-05-19T13:31:00.000Z

Mark Yates has indicated he has made positive strides in attracting his wish-list of players. Yates feels some players will hold out a while yet but is confident of signing 3-4 of his targets. Yates said:

I started with a long list of players I might be interested in, but it included four or five main targets, of which Luke Reynolds was one.
I'm quite far down the line with a couple of them and I'm hoping to get them signed up sooner rather than later but I'm not revealing any names yet.

We're at the stage where clubs are doing all the chasing and unless you offer players the earth they reckon they are holding out for better offers.

But give it a few weeks and the situation will change with the players doing the chasing.

Yates also revealed ginger midfielder Simon Russell has verbally agreed his one-year contract offer whilst Michael Blackwood is still weighing up his offer.

Rea and Foster leave Boro

2006-05-17T18:58:00.000Z

Harriers top scorer from the promotion season of 1999-2000 has been released by Nuneaton Borough. Ian Foster, now 29, scored 17 goals in Harriers promotion campaign and is fondly remembered amongst Harriers fans for his committment and endless running. Foster left Harriers in 2003 to link up with Chester. However, Foster returned in the 2003-2004 season and went on to total 170 appearances in a Harriers shirt. Foster also played for Forest Green before linking up with Nuneaton last season. Fosters release has surprised some Nuneaton fans who would have liked him to have stayed. Rumours on a Nuneaton fans forum suggests that Foster may be ready to retire from the game. It is known that Foster is training to be a physiotherapist and he may be looking to develop this new vocation.

Nuneaton have also officially released defender Simon Rea. Rea, also 29, played 7 times for Harriers last season during a loan-spell. Rea made over 180 for Peterborough United in the League but now finds himself looking for another club.

Chester keen on Mullins

2006-05-17T17:40:00.000Z

Chester City may have lost out to the Harriers for the signing of Luke Reynolds, but they are in the hunt for Harriers target Johnny Mullins according to the Express and Star. The twenty year-old defender has made over 50 appearances in a Harriers shirt during two loan spells over the last two seasons. Mullins recently returned to Championship Champions Reading only to receive news that he was no longer wanted at the Madejski. Harriers fans agree that the talented youngster could, and probably should, play in the League but will still have hopes that Mullins will sign on at Aggborough full-time. Mullins' girlfriend is from Bewdley and fans hope this will sway his decision.

Meanwhile, Simon Russell and Michael Blackwood are yet to sign the one-year deals offered to them by the club.

Harvey leaves Morecambe

2006-05-16T20:37:00.000Z

Manager of Morecambe, Jim Harvey, has today left the Shrimps. Harvey was replaced by caretaker manager Sammy McIlroy last season due to health problems. McIlroy led the Shrimps to the play-off semi-finals where the Lancashire lost to Hereford.

Morecambe released this statement:

"Morecambe Football Club have announced today that they have released manager Jim Harvey from his contract with immediate effect. Jim joined Morecambe F.C. in January 1994 as Assistant Manager and in July 1994 was promoted to Manager. Chairman Peter McGuigan commented: "The Board would like to thank Jim for his significant contribution to the development of Morecambe Football Club during the last 12 years and wish him every success for the future."

Elsewhere, Grays boss Mark Stimson has quit the Essex side. Despite winning the FA Trophy days ago and reaching the play-offs this season, Stimson feels he has taken the minnows as far as he can.

Morecambe have been in the Conference since the 1995-1996 season and have enjoyed a high finishes including third place in 2000.

Harriers snap up keeper

2006-05-15T20:09:00.000Z

Kidderminster have announced the signing of Steve Taylor. The official website has revealed that the twenty-year old goalkeeper has signed a one-year deal. Taylor is a talented sportsman and played cricket in Australia before finally deciding to give his footballing career a go.

Taylor was understudy to former Harrier Stuart Brock at AFC Telford last season and also has experience with Market Drayton. Although Taylor has played in front of large crowds at Telford in play-off games, the step up from the Unibond Premier Division will be a test of the young players credentials.

Mark Yates has not made it clear whether he intends Taylor to be his number one or number two next season. Harriers surprised many by releasing last seasons goalkeepers, John Danby and Danny Lewis, in an end of season cull. Danby later joined Chester City.

Meanwhile, Gravesend appear to have some financial problems and have released even more players, including Jimmy Jackson and Justin Skinner. Gravesend may be finding that going full-time was an unwise move.

Reynolds turns down league for Harriers

2006-05-12T11:44:00.000Z

The faith shown in rookie Luke Reynolds by Mark Yates and Neil Howarth has been repaid today as Reynolds put pen to paper on a oneyear deal at Aggborough. Striker Reynolds, who is still working full-time as a college caretaker, revealed he had offers from league 2 sides, with Chester amongst those interested, but plumped for the Harriers as it 'felt right'.

Reynolds, 26, made eight appearances in a red shirt towards the end of last campaign. Reynolds had spent time with AFC Telford in the Unibond League and had been playing for Market Drayton before signing on at Aggborough. However, the late-comer to the professional game impressed whilst scoring four times in a red shirt.

A slight concern is the fact Reynolds is another player on a short one-year deal. Harriers seem reluctant once again to committ to players beyond one season. This raises the prospect of Harriers having to go through another mass squad change next close season.

Harriers arrange two friendlies

2006-05-11T21:02:00.000Z

The club are yet to formally announce the list of pre-season friendlies, but these games will go ahead:

15th July H v West Bromwich Albion
5th August A v Worcester City

The West Brom game will kick-off at midday as West Brom will be sending another side to face Walsall at 3pm on the same day.

Harkness pens deal

2006-05-11T11:34:00.000Z

Jonny Harkness has agreed to a one-year contract with Kidderminster. The young left-back joined Harriers in January after being deemed not good enough to make the grade at Walsall.

Former Harriers loanees/short-term players Taiwo Atieno, Andy White and Mark Rawle are all on the lookout for new clubs.

It has also now been confirmed that John Danby has signed a two-year deal with Chester. The news that Mark Wright was interested in Danby from February this year may suggest that it wasn't necassarily a case of Yates releasing Danby. Danby may have indicated earlier in the season that his future lay elsewhere and Yates may have known it was not possible to keep the keeper.

Danby to Chester

2006-05-11T06:53:00.000Z

There are rumours amongst Chester fans that released Harriers keeper John Danby will sign for Mark Wright's side. Danby was released along with Danny Lewis in Mark Yates' end of season cull.

Meanwhile, former Harriers midfielder Ben Davies, who has been a Chester player for four seasons, has rejected the offer of a new contract at the Deva Stadium. It is believed that he is set to join a League 1 club with Northampton and Yeovil being linked with the 24 year old.

McGrath pens one-year deal

2006-05-10T13:56:00.000Z

Michael McGrath has accepted his contract offer with the Harriers and has signed a one year deal. The 20 year old was signed by Yates on non-contract terms towards the end of last season and made just three appearances in a Kiddy shirt. He played in the final home game against Accrington and did enough to warrant a contract offer from Yates last week.

Review of the Season Part 1

2006-05-10T11:43:00.000Z

This review of the season will not be as long as those I have done in the past and I think it's fair to say that all Harriers fans are glad that 2005-2006 has finished. There were those that hoped Kidderminster Harriers, by being an 'ex-League' club, would have enough quality in the squad to make a push for the top 5 on our return to the Conference. But, so it quickly transpired, we were subjected to the reality that the team put together by Watkiss was very much lacking in every department. Before I look back over last season let's look to next season and a little omen that may or may not come true.

As Harriers fans, some of us liked to think of our club as one of the Conference's big guns in the 90's. Whilst it was fair to say we were as famous as any other non-league side, due to our league titles and cup exploits, our league performances didn't always reflect our perception of ourselves. We were inconsistent. Let's just look at our league finishes in the 90's (bear with me):

90/91: 13th
91/92: 19th
92/93: 9th
93/94: 1st
94/95: 11th
95/96: 7th
96/97: 2nd
97/98: 17th
98/99: 15th
99/00: 1st

Looking down that list you can hardly say we were consistently at the top of the non-league game. Great one season, mediocre or worst the next. But I'm going to use those numbers to cast a little hope for next season. The more observant amongst you will note that in 98/99 we finished 15th - exactly the same position as this season. Following 98/99 we won the league under Jan Molby - maybe history can repeat itself and we'll follow this season's 15th with a title next campaign? Okay, maybe that's a little optimistic, but the point is that Kidderminster Harriers have a history of building good sides quickly. That is what Mark Yates will want to do but, obviously, it's a lot easier to say it than do it. Over to you Yatesie.

The 2005-2006 season started at home to Woking. We snatched a win and some (probably me at the time) could have deluded themselves this meant we would be okay. The more critical would have noticed that Woking outplayed us and deserved a point at the very least but a win was a win and we seemed to have a lively strike force in the shape of Iyseden Christie and the on-loan Taiwo Atieno. Things did seem to go okay to begin with. Harriers played well at Exeter City and were unlucky to lose one-nil to one of the title favourites. Then we travelled to Scarborough and picked up a point against a terrible Seadogs side. This game should have come as another warning sign of our season's shortcomings as Harriers' forwards contrived to miss a hatful of chances and, despite having 14 shots to Boro's 3, we conceded an injury time equaliser.

Another four games came and went (I said I'd keep this short!) and Harriers hadn't been beaten. Draws at home versus Southport and at the impressive Grays sandwiched wins at Cambridge and versus Canvey. Okay, the performances weren't always dominant but at least we weren't losing games. Suddenly we did start to lose games and the performances began to put Stuart Watkiss under pressure. After two disastrous performances and defeats at home to Forest Green (3-1) and Halifax (1-0) Watkiss spoke out in the press and said that he was struggling to remember us playing worse than that in back to back games but that no teacups were thrown. He went on: I'm the manager. Ultimately I'm responsible and must face the music and I don't need telling that it was unacceptable, but I have been told.

At this point one hoped that such frank words would shake up the players and see performances improve but, for me certainly, the season never seemed to get going. The excitement of having new players was wearing off and the side was already chopping and changing. The fans had their scapegoats - Atieno was 'lazy', Danby was a 'liability' and Hatswell was 'rubbish' but none of the players were covering themselves in glory except, perhaps, skipper Mark Jackson.

The experienced Martin O'Connor did look to be an asset in the middle of the park, but his inability to last beyond 60 minutes of the game, and Harriers subsequent tendency to self-destruct was not nice to watch and Terry Fleming, Gareth Sheldon, Simon Russell, Michael Blackwood and Lawrie Wilson, who the optimists had all predicted to be our stars of the season, were turning out to be decidedly average at best or, in Lawrie Wilson's case, complete crap.

Hero worshipping was bestowed upon the enigma that was Iyseden Christie. Debates raged as to his commitment to the cause but the player who had been injured for what seemed like forever knew where the back of the net was. Christie made things happen, whether it was winning penalties, winding up centre-halves or scoring goals. Despite the two poor home defeats their was lots of football to go and, at least, in Iyseden Christie we had a goalscorer. The rest of September and October was indifferent as Harriers won two just games, one at Gravesend and one at home to Morecambe (in front of just over 1400). However, this wasn't enough to stem the increasing anger amongst the Aggborough faithful and in four games the Harriers lost no less than three times to sides occupying bottom spot in the table. Included in this was a home defeat to Tamworth who included ex-players Scott Stamps, Adie Smith and Graham Ward in their starting eleven. The irony that these players were very recently considered not good enough for Kidderminster and yet they were showing the current group how it was done was not lost on Harriers fans.

Harriers' youngster Russ Penn was sent out on-loan to Alvechurch in October but would return to the club later on to provide one of the few bright spots for the season. Despite overcoming a relaxed Darlington 2-1 at Aggborough in the LDV Trophy, Harriers fans had to endure more dross at Southport in the FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round as a gutless one-nil defeat at Haig Avenue heaped more pressure on Watkiss. Harriers' tight financial budget was revealed by Watkiss when he said: It's a blow to the club, a big blow, that's for sure. We were dependant on this result and a run in the cup to bring in some extra revenue. This will definitely have an effect on the club and things will now be that little bit more difficult for us. It was suggested afterwards that the club had 'budgeted' on reaching the first round of the cup and the Southport defeat had put pressure on Watkiss to make cuts in the squad.

There was some cause for cheer when Johnny Mullins came in on-loan from Reading towards the end of October. Mullins had been on-loan to us the previous season and Harriers fans were looking forward to seeing the talented defender in a Harriers' shirt again. He came into the side at right-back to replace Wayne Evans, who hadn't overly impressed, and going out the door was Steve Burton who, despite being a left-back, could not depose Wayne Hatswell, a centre-back, from the left-back position. Burton's contract was cancelled.

Hereford came to Aggborough to end the month of October and all Harriers fans feared the worst. Just 2200 Harriers fans turned up for the game but they were rewarded with a better performance and a point against one of the Conference's favourites for promotion. The frustrating Taiwo Atieno got the goal with a well-taken header. The Hereford result proved to be a false dawn as defeats to Exeter (2-1), Stevenage (3-1) and Burton (1-0) followed in November. Harriers were not terrible in defeat but seemed far too easy to breach in defence and short on attacking ideas up front. A 0-0 draw at Aggborough versus York was Harriers only league point of the month. However, the LDV Trophy was proving to Harriers liking and another League 2 scalp was taken in the form of Boston United. Harriers won 3-0 at York Street with goals from Christie (2) and Blackwood to set up a Northern Quarter Final with Bradford City.

November saw Russ Penn make his debut versus York, (O'Connor's legs were giving up), and Marc Pugh was brought in on a work experience deal from Burnley. Forward Pugh went on to make seven starts scoring one goal for Harriers but at the same time the young centre-back Chris McHale was sent out on loan and defender Patrick Flynn arrived on non-contract terms (he also made just seven starts before leaving again through the revolving door).

At the end of November the Harriers occupied 16th place in the Conference - a position that we would more or less occupy for the rest of the season. Life back in the Conference was proving very disappointing and, whilst no-one had expected a league title, fans felt they had the right to expect more despite the constant speculation about low playing budgets and financial restrictions. The football on the pitch had been poor, Harriers fans were struggling to bond with new players and scant entertainment on the pitch had seen home crowds fall to levels not seen for 6 years. Things needed changing and change they did!

Read more in part 2 of my review for 2005-2006 which will be coming soon!

Another day, more players released

2006-05-09T19:25:00.000Z

Oxford and Macclesfield are the latest clubs to announce their released list today. Since the end of the season, many lower league players have been told their contracts will not be renewed as managers look to strengthen their squads for next term.

Harriers fans are hoping Mark Yates is successful in getting in his chosen targets during the close season. Harriers may not be able to compete financially with some Conference clubs so Mark Yates will have to make sure he gets in the right mix of youth and experience, and flair and grit, in an attempt to improve on Kiddy's fortunes.

Aggborough round-up

2006-05-08T18:44:00.000Z

Mark Yates has had the paint brush out over the last few days and has revealed he and assistant boss Neil Howarth have been sprucing up the Aggborough changing rooms and the manager's office. Yates believes a brighter Aggy interior will encourage potential new players to sign on the dotted line.

Yates also reports that he has been in talks with some 'experienced' targets but respects that players will be keeping their options over at this stage of the close-season.

Away from Aggborough, former Harriers loanee, and last season's Conference top scorer, Andy Bishop has left York City to join Bury. Bishop, 24, decided not to accept the Minstermen's offer of a new deal and has signed a two-year deal with Bury.

In the Conference, controversial striker Anthony Elding revealed at the weekend that he would favour a return to Stevenage. Elding fell out with Boro boss Graham Westley and was sold to Conference North outfit Kettering for £10,000. Elding managed to get sent-off twice in his very short Kettering career and was released at the end of the season. However, news broke today that Elding had signed a two-year deal with League 2 side Boston United. Elding returns to York Street after coming through their youth scheme earlier in his career.

Harriers 2005-2006 player of the season, Johnny Mullins, has been released by Reading. It is not known what his next move will be but Harriers fans will be hoping that Mullins will remember his time at Aggborough fondly. However, the pull of the league may well be too much for the talented defender.

St Albans complete promoted teams to Conference

2006-05-07T17:45:00.000Z

St. Albans City beat Histon in the Conference South play-off final today to secure a place in the Conference next season. The Hertfordshire club, managed by the experienced Colin Lippiat, beat Histon two-nil at Stevenage's Broadfield Stadium.

Harriers 13th best supported non-league team

2006-05-07T14:45:00.000Z

Harriers were the 13th best supported non-league team last season. Exeter City came out on top after their average home gate was 3790 for 2005-2006. FC United were the second best supported side with an average of 3056 fans attending their games at Gigg Lane, Bury.

Harriers average of 1775 (helped in no small part from the visit of Hereford) was higher than play-off contenders Halifax and Grays, and just one less than play-off contenders Morecambe. Harriers' board will probably be hoping that Hereford do not get promoted so that they can rely on another bumper payday when the Bulls visit Aggborough. Additionally, games against Oxford and Rushden are sure to attract a larger than average crowd. Harriers lowest crowd of last season was 1220 versus Grays.

Weymouth, champions of the Conference South, came in at 9th with an average of 1941.

Stafford Rangers return to Conference

2006-05-07T14:33:00.000Z

Stafford will join Northwich Victoria in the Conference National next season following a tense play-off final victory yesterday. Rangers beat Droylsden 5-3 on penalties after the sides were level after 90 minutes and extra time. Former Cheltenham player Neil Grayson got the goal for Stafford who are captained by former Harriers youth/reserve player Wayne Daniels.

Meanwhile, Canvey fans have all but confirmed that the club will start afresh outside of the Conference. This means that Tamworth do get a reprieve and will stay in the Conference next season.

Harriers will be hoping for a more attractive Boxing Day/New Years Day fixture next season after having to play Altrincham last season. Stafford, Burton or Tamworth seem like the likely choices although it could yet turn out to be Hereford (if they do not win the play-offs).

Oxford relegated to the Conference

2006-05-06T15:42:00.000Z

The giants of the Conference National next season will be Oxford United. Oxford have just been relegated following a 3-2 home defeat with Leyton Orient. The result also means that Orient gain automatic promotion to League 1. Former Oxford player Lee Steele scored the winner in the last minute as ten-man Oxford pushed forward in vain to try and preserve their forty-four year history in the Football League. The Conference will surely come as somewhat of a shock to the fans of a club that played in the top flight of English football in the late 80's.

Jim Smith was recently brought into the Kassam Stadium to try and save United but even that task has proved too much for the 'bald eagle'. Oxford's cause was not helped when Willmot was sent off for violent conduct. Over 12,000 fans packed the three-sided stadium today to try and cheer Oxford to victory. Had Oxford snatched the win, it would have condemned Stockport County, who could only draw at home, to the Conference. But as this is written, Oxford fans are the ones who will be contemplating life as a non-league club and they will join Rushden and Diamonds next season.

Meanwhile, Cheltenham Town will contest the play-offs in League 2. Harriers' former foes won five-nil at Mansfield today and will be hoping to have another crack at League 1 via the play-offs.

Former Harriers Danny Williams (Wrexham) and Kelvin Langmead (Shrewsbury) were on target for their clubs today as the League 2 campaign came to an end.

In the Conference play-off semi-final first leg, Grays gave themselves a fighting chance against Halifax thanks to a brace from Denis Oli in the second half. Halifax had stormed to a three goal lead inside 31 minutes but saw their three goal lead reduce to just one as the game finished 3-2 in their favour. 3848 were at The Shay to watch it. Hereford travel to Morecambe tomorrow in the other play-off semi-final.

League 2 dogfight day

2006-05-06T10:56:00.000Z

The League 2 season will finish today with SEVEN clubs still in danger of the drop. 39 points would have seen a side safe last season but its possible a side could be relegated with 51 points this season.

Oxford are in greatest danger of Conference football next term as they must beat Orient at home and hope other results go their way. Orient themselves need a result to clinch automatic promotion. The other sides in danger of relegation include Stockport, Notts County, Barnet, Torquay, Macclesfield and Bury.

Canvey set to resign from Conference

2006-05-06T10:45:00.000Z

The Non-League Paper is reporting that Canvey will end weeks of speculation and be forced to resign from the Conference in the next week. Canvey manager and main benefactor, Jeff King, is expected to be named Chelmsford City manager on Monday morning after City sacked manager Craig Edwards. King reportedly pays out an estimated 8K per week to keep Canvey afloat and, without this input of money, it is expected that the Islanders will not be able to support a Conference National team. King is likely to take some of Canvey's better players with him to Chelmsford.

If Canvey do leave the Conference, Tamworth will be saved from relegation. Tamworth, who finished second bottom this season, seemed determined to stay up and had threatened legal action if Altrincham's 18-point penalty for playing an ineligable player was overturned. Alty have yet to have the points taken off them and a hearing for their appeal has been set on the 23rd May. But if Canvey do have to resign from the league Tamworth will be saved without having to go through the courts. To add further complication to the situation, Altrincham could have their points penalty upheld and still be saved from the drop if Scarborough fail to come out of administration at the end of the month. The Seadogs, who finished bottom of the league, would face automatic expulsion and join Canvey as the Conference's two demoted teams.

Harriers number plate for sale

2006-05-04T16:09:00.000Z

For the fanatical Harriers fan there is a number plate currently for sale on ebay. The number plate is K11 OOY but it has been 'cunningly' altered to make it appear to say 'Kiddy'! The item can be found at this link:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kidderminster-Harriers-FC-Football-Registration-Number_W0QQitemZ6626645480QQcategoryZ421QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem