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** LATEST NEWS **
- 30 January
Harriers Squad Continues To Shrink
Two more players left the club yesterday, Stewart Hadley and Parfait
Medou-Otye, although in differing circumstances.
Hadley, who has been on
loan at Worcester for the last few weeks has made his move permanent,
leaving Harriers on a free transfer. His contract was due to expire
at the end of the season and was unlikely to be renewed.
Medou-Otye, however,
has been forced to retire from the game due to a heart condition. The
defender has been diagnosed as having Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy which
is a condition which causes the wall of the heart to thicken. He has been
advised to rest from football for six to twelve months in the hope that
his condition will improve, if it does he may be able to return to the
game.
Meanwhile, youth team goalkeeper John Danby has signed as a professional
until the end of the season having recently given up his job to train full
time.
- 30 January
Molby Disappointed With Blown Lead
"The players are very disappointed" - Jan Molby
Manager Jan Molby was disappointed to come away from Field Mill
with only a point after having lead for such a long time.
Speaking after the game to the Official
Club Website he said, "We feel disappointed not to have won the
game. We were the better team in the first half and got our reward
with the goal. Mansfield played excellently in the second half and
put us under a lot of pressure.
"When Greenacre went off we didn't pass the ball well enough
against ten men. It wasn't until they equalised that we started to
pass it again. Because of that it was difficult to play good football.
The players are very disappointed.
"We now have to go to Swansea on Saturday and look for all three
points. If we end up taking four points from these to away games then
that can't be bad".
Mansfield boss Stuart Watkiss saved his criticism for referee Paul
Danson, but was complimentary towards Harriers for the way they played
the game, "Kidderminster were the better team first half, they passed
it a little bit better than us and won 50/50's and to be fair they
deserved their lead even though I thought we created the best chances.
Second half, I'm delighted and proud and thrilled at the way we played
and the character showed especially when we went down to 10 men. We
continued to go for it and I'm so pleased with the way they've done it
but the question is why can’t they’do that from the outset and why does
it take a little bit of a telling off at half time for them to play like that.
"I think that Kidderminster and ourselves are the best footballing
teams in this division but I think second half we proved that maybe we
have a little bit of an edge on them. We were two teams that wanted to
play football and wanted to get the ball on the deck and pass it but
unfortunately I think the ref wanted to be the star of the show and he
didn't want the players to be the star of the show and he's spoilt it
really. He wanted the attention, he's been on the Premiership, he's
been thrown off the Premiership and if he has any more games like that
he will be thrown out of the league.
He's apologised to me but at the end of the day Chrissy doesn't
have a lot to apologise for. I'll have a look at the videos but first
impressions are he hasn't really done too much wrong so I can't be too
upset with him. We'll have a look and if we think that the referee is
wrong then we can appeal but unfortunately we appealed with Martin
Pemberton and they don't seem too keen to overturn things really".
- 29 January
Harriers Staggered
Adie Smith's first goal of the season was not enough to give Harriers
victory against high-flying Mansfield at Field Mill. Despite being
reduced to ten men when top scorer Chris Greenacre was dismissed for
his second booking, Mansfield grabbed a dramatic late equaliser through
Martin Pemberton to ensure an entertaining game ended all square.
- 28 January
Mansfield Town Preview
Harriers will be back in action tomorrow evening when they visit
Field Mill to take on high-flying Mansfield Town.
Harriers will be without three key players as Colin Larkin, Andy
Ducros and Mark Blake will all be missing with injury - Larkin and
Ducros with hamstring problems and Blake with an achilles injury. Otherwise,
Harriers should have a full squad to choose from.
Mansfield may welcome back Les Robinson who has been out with a
calf strain, but Stuart Hicks will be on the sidelines as he has had
knee ligament problems and is only just ready for Reserve team action. One
player who will be in the side is Chris Greenacre who is one of the
top scorers in the Third Division with 15 goals.
Earlier in the season, the teams drew 1-1 at Aggborough with Mark
Blake scoring the Harriers goal against his former team. For a full
run-down of previous meetings, click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps,
Smith, Hinton, Sall, Foster, Williams, Henriksen, Bennett, Appleby.
- 26 January
Macclesfield Game Off
Torrential rain overnight and throughout the morning has left the
Aggborough pitch waterlogged and caused the game to be called off.
- 25 January
Macclesfield Town Preview
Following the disappointing attendance in midweek, Harriers will
be hoping for a better turnout tomorrow when Macclesfield are the visitors
to Aggborough.
Unfortunately, The Silkmen are not much more of an attraction than
The Shaymen, so chances are the crowd will be below 3000 again. However,
with no live Premiership games on TV perhaps the people of the town
will decide that seeing a game in the flesh is a far better option.
Harriers will have injury problems again, Colin Larkin is struggling
with his hamstring which forced him out of Tuesday's game after 13
minutes, Andy Ducros has a similar problem which forced him out of last
Saturday's game after 13 minutes, while skipper Mark Blake still has
an achilles problem which may keep him out again.
Macclesfield will be without both Steve Hitchen and Richard Tracey.
They both are suffering from hamstring injuries picked up in the game
against Rochdale. George Abbey will continue to stand in. Macclesfield
are also looking to bring in a new player on loan in time for the game.
Harriers recorded their first away win of the season when the two
sides met at Moss Rose earlier in the season and will be looking to
record their second double of the campaign. For a full run down of
previous meetings, click here.
I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps,
Bennett, Hinton, Sall, Appleby, Williams, Henriksen, Foster, Shilton.
- 23 January
Mixed Feelings For Molby
Jan Molby was pleased to have recorded another win as Harriers
kept up the play-off challenge, but was very disappointed by the turnout
in the stands.
Of the game he said, "We played some nice stuff in the first fifteen
minutes and we were gifted with an easy first goal. Although the game
wasn't the prettiest, we dominated the entire ninety minutes. I think
they only had one half chance during the entire game. The last ten
minutes were a little nervy as they had a couple of big lads who could
be a threat from set pieces and that put us under a little pressure.
But in the end the lads battled through. We fully deserved to pick up
maximum points".
The boss is finding it difficult to understand, as quite a few people
are, why no matter well the team is playing the crowds are not getting
any bigger, "Tonight's attendance and atmosphere was pathetic and I'm
afraid it will be the same against Macclesfield. Kidderminster doesn't
deserve a league side if that's the support the town gives its only
football side. The football we have played over the past three months
has been superb so there can be no excuses. People stop me in the
town and moan about our low attendances but to be quite honest I am
now tired of hearing the same old excuses".
He continued with a warning that if the situation does not get any
better, the squad will not be improved, "The size of our crowds is
directly linked to the amount of money we have available to strengthen
the squad. And, if crowds like this are to become the norm then we can
forget trying to compete with other clubs for the best players. What
are we supposed to do? The players here are massively over-achieving
and what thanks do they get? None".
Meanwhile, the previously postponed match at Halifax has been
rearranged for March 12.
- 22 January
Brendan Murphy Leaves The Club
Second choice goalkeeper Brendan Murphy has left the club, joining
Dr Martens League side Solihull Borough.
It is the second time he has played for Solihull, having spent
some time there on loan last season. In his season and a half at
Aggborough he never made his mark managing just one senior appearance -
a Worcestershire Senior Cup tie, ironically against Solihull.
Harriers boss Jan Molby said, "It was difficult for Brendan being
our seond choice keeper for so long. He was disappointed when he wasn't
selected earlier this season while Stuart Brock was suspended but I
didn't thinkhe was ready at the time. However, I'm sure if he continues
to work hard and improve he will become a very good keeper.
- 21 January
Halifax Town Preview
Harriers have a chance to get straight back to winning ways tomorrow
evening when bottom club Halifax are the visitors.
Jan Molby will be forced into at least one change to the team as
Andy Ducros who limped off on Saturday is likely to be out for three
weeks with his hamstring injury. Mark Blake and Richie Appleby are
also likelly to miss out although they could be back in contention for
the weekend visit of Macclesfield.
The Shaymen recorded their first league win since November 24 on
Saturday when they beat Lincoln 3-0 at The Shay. With York's defeat
at Rushden the three points brought them level with The Minstermen at
the foot of the table.
The two sides have yet to meet this season as the game at The Shay
in December fell victim to the weather, but Harriers have a fairly good
record against Halifax having only lost once at Aggborough. For a full
run down on previous encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps,
Smith, Hinton, Sall, Larkin, Williams, Henriksen, Foster, Bennett
- 21 January
Harriers To Renew Sponsorship Deal
Harriers are preparing to renew their shirt sponsorship deal with
computer firm OGL this week.
The extension to the deal is said to be a "substantial six-figure"
amount and will last for another two years. The OGL name has already
been on Harriers' shirts for four seasons.
- 21 January
Molby Not Too Disheartened By Defeat
"We did enough to win" - Jan Molby
Jan Molby was not too disapointed after Saturday's defeat at Scunthorpe
because he felt that the performance was worthy of more. He said, "We
did enough to win the game, we dominated the game from start to finish
and had a number of good chances to score, especially in the first half,
which we failed to do. Basically we let them off the hook when we could
have finished them off before half-time". He was, however, disappointed
with the referee who awarded the home side a free-kick from which they
scored the winning goal, "Adie is adamant it wasn't a foul but we've
gone to sleep for the free-kick and let Torpey in to score. We have
outplayed one of the better sides in this division and that shows how
far we've progressed. We have two tough games in the next seven days
to prepare for and they've both pulled off good results today which
will give them confidence".
Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws, on the other hand, was understandably
pleased to have stolen the points despite being under the cosh for
so long, "I'm delighted with the result, but the performance hardly
matched it. After the game at Bristol Rovers when we played well but
only got a point I'm sure the supporters will accept not playing well
and getting all three points. Terry Barwick has had to step up from
the youth team because we have six midfielders currently out. We didn't
really have a lot of options on the bench so I couldn't really change
things. Credit to the lads they worked very hard and in the end it
was enough to claim the points. Hopefully we will have a few more
options when we go to Plymouth. Matthew Sparrow was suffering from
flu and hopefully he and Wayne Graves will be back. Martin Carruthers
was also rested today because he hasn't done a lot of training since
returning from injury and I think that showed against Exeter in midweek".
- 19 January
Harriers Fire A Blank
Harriers dominated a scrappy game at Glanford Park, having most of
the possession and creating a string of chances. The forwards were
not on form, however, and squandered their opportunities with poor
finishing and Harriers were finally sunk by Steve Torpey's headed goal
two minutes before the interval.
- 18 January
Scunthorpe United Preview
Harriers face another stiff test tomorrow when they travel to Glanford
Park to take on Scunthorpe United.
Scunthorpe currently lie two positions and two points below Harriers,
but had they continued their recent good home form against Exeter in
midweek they would have jumped over the Reds and knocked them out of
the play-off positions. As it is, they lost 4-3 and ended a run of
five straight wins on home territory.
Harriers should have a laarger squad to choose from this week with
the return of some of the injured players. Scott Stamps, who has also
now served his suspension, has recovered from his back injury and will
be joined in the squad by Abdou Sall and Colin Larkin. However, Mark
Blake and Richie Appleby are still going to be missing, Appleby with
a hamstring injury and Blake with an achilles problem.
Scunthorpe's biggest worry is Wayne Graves who pulled his hamstring
in the game against Exeter, while Jamie McCombe may be left out in
favour of Stuart Thom and Andy Dawson, Alex Calvo-Garcia and Matt Sparrow
should all be able to play.
Harriers will be looking for their second double of the season
having won at Aggborough on the opening day with an Andy Ducros goal. For
a full run down of previous Harriers - Scunthorpe matches, click
here.
I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps,
Bennett, Hinton, Sall, Larkin, Williams, Henriksen, Ducros, Shilton.
- 16 January
Squad Reshaping Continues
Talks have begun with Danish striker Bo Henriksen with a view to
making his stay at Aggborough permanent.
A fee has been agreed with his Danish club, Herfolge, reported to
be £12500 and all that is left is for Harriers to agree personal terms
with the player. Apparently he will be offered a two-and-half year
contract that will make him the club's highest wage earner.
Meanwhile, talks are to take place with Tony Bird and Brendan
Murphy with the intention of ending their contracts early. Neither
player has figured in the First Team recently, Murphy has only made
one Worcestershire Cup appearance in his time at the club, and both
have contracts which are due to expire in the summer. Bird recently
turned down a three month loan move to Conference side Chester City.
- 14 January
Harriers Youth Into Last 16
A thrilling cup-tie ended in a 2-1 victory for Harriers' Youth
team over Grimsby in the FA Youth Cup. Two goals from Matt Lewis, one
a fourth minute penalty, set up a Fifth Round trip to either Nottingham
Forest or Watford. Harriers were backed by an excellent crowd of 373,
which was bigger than that which Bromsgrove Rovers had in the Midland
Alliance on Saturday.
Meanwhile, striker Tony Bird has turned down a three month loan
to Conference side Chester City.
- 13 January
Grimsby Town Preview
Harriers Youth Team face one of their biggest tests tomorrow evening
when they entertain Grimsby Town in the FA Youth Cup. A large crowd
is expected, and the current average of around 70 will be easily eclipsed. However,
it will take a large crowd for a record to be set, 681 were present when
West Ham were the visitors in 1988.
It is the first time that Harriers have reached the fourth round
of this competition having already knocked out Macclesfield, Scunthorpe
and Sutton United. Last season was Harriers' previous best when they
reached the third round only to be knocked out by Middlesbrough at The
Riverside Stadium.
Harriers are in good form at the moment, winning eight of their
last ten matches, and have won 13 of the 16 games played this season. Grimsby
may be a little rusty, their Under-19 side suffered a 2-0 defeat against
Bradford yesterday which was their first game since November 24 when they
drew 1-1 with Darlington at the end of a four game unbeaten run.
Harriers have faced Grimsby once before, in the first round of the
FA Youth Cup in 1986/87. Grimsby were comfortable winners, thrashing
Harriers 5-0.
Manager Ian Britton has no serious injury problems to contend with
and should be able to field a full strength team. I expect Harriers
to line-up as follows: Danby, Lower, Garner, Khela, Smallman, Yates,
Bailey, Glynn, Lewis, Langford, Heath.
- 13 January
Molby Pleased With Harriers Win
Harriers manager Jan Molby was pleased with the way his players
reacted to the midweek defeat against Luton by beating Darlington, "This
was an important game and we stressed that to the players. It was a
bread and butter game and there wasn't a particularly big crowd which
disappointed me. They played 4-5-1 and kept everyone behind the ball.
We never really played as well as we can but we have won the game and
kept a clean sheet".
"In the first-half we were overplaying because they gave us a lot
of time on the ball and we took that time. Andy Ducros scored a great
goal and I don't think Brock had one save to make and that was another
pleasing thing. We've got this won and we've got another seven days
before we go to Scunthorpe. Let's hope that we can embark on another
winning run. It's not that important to stay unbeaten, if we can win
the next three or four games, then lose one and win again, then that
will do until the end of the season".
Tommy Taylor, the Darlington manager, blamed his side's lack of
action in recent weeks for the defeat, "We haven’t played for a few
weeks and it showed big time. We've given the ball away when players
have been pushing up to support and they scored the goal from that. The
defensive side of it we were all right we cleaned up quite a lot but
but attacking from midfield to the front we were very poor. We tried
to play Mellanby up front on his own with two sitting in behind and
we could have gone in front but we didn't. I feel sorry for the supporters
who have travelled this far and we didn't do ourselves justice. The
players will be in tomorrow morning and we'll get down to work to play
Peterborough on Tuesday".
- 12 January
Harriers Bounce Back
An understrength Harriers side bounced back from Tuesday's defeat
by Luton with a single goal victory over Darlington which lifts them
into the play-off positions. Andy Ducros came in and scored the only
goal of the game, his first in the League since opening day.
- 10 January
Darlington Preview
Jan Molby faces a string of selection problems as he tries to pick
a team to face Darlington that can bounce back from Tuesday's defeat.
At the bacck Ian Clarkson is not fully fit, Adie Smith and Abdou
Sall are both recovering from injury and are definitely out and Scott
Stamps is suspended, although he also picked up an injury in the Luton
game. The midfield could be missing Richie Appleby who limped out of
Tuesday's game before half-time with a hamstring injury, and up front
Colin Larkin is still suffering with a hamstring pull and Bo Henriksen
also has a couple of minor injuries to go with the 'flu he has been
suffering from this week.
Darlington should be fit and raring to go as the weather has ensured
that they have not played yet this year. Main striker Barry Conlon,
however, will be missing as he is suspended.
The Quakers have beaten Harriers twice already this season, 2-0 at
Feethams in the League an also 1-0 at Aggborough in the FA Cup. For
a full run-down on previous meetings between the clubs click here.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Joy,
Blake, Hinton, Ayres, Bennett, Williams, Broughton, Henriksen, Shilton.
- 9 January
Reserves Reach Cup Final
Harriers Reserves reached the final of the Worcester Royal Infirmary
Cup tonight with a 3-2 victory over Ledbury Town on the Express and
Star League side's New Street ground. Goals from Matt Lewis, Sam Shilton
and Andy Ducros saw Harriers through despite two goalkeeping errors
from Brendan Murphy gifting the home team their goals.
- 9 January
Molby Blames Brock
"He needs a massive kick up the backside" - Jan
Molby
A furious Jan Molby placed the blame for last night's defeat at
the hands of Luton firmly on Stuart Brock. At the post-match press
conference he said, "The goalkeeper made mistakes for the first three
goals and the worrying thing is he's made a few of late. He needs a
massive kick up the backside and needs to get himself in order. He
needs to start showing the sort of form he was prior to him earning
a new two year contract".
Stuart Brock himslef was distraught, he said, "I blame myself totally
and I've apologised to the lads because I've let them down in the
last couple of weeks. This is the worst I have felt. When I was sent
off it didn't feel as bad because I knew I could come back. But I
am not happy with last night, the mistakes at Exeter and the goal at
Torquay. I'm very critical of myself and I feel this is my most testing
time".
Naturally Joe Kinnear was pleased with the win, "It's a really good
win because to be fair to them they've been in really good form. I
thought we playd exceptionally well after we went a goal down, it proves
what a good side we can be when we want to".
Meanwhile, Stewart Hadley has extended his loan to Worcester for
a second month.
- 8 January
Keeper's Nightmare Sinks Harriers
Three goalkeeping howlers from Stuart Brock in the space of five
minutes dented Harriers run of form as they went down 4-1 at home to
Luton. Danny Wlliams' first goal for the club had given Harriers the
lead early in the second half, but then errors by Brock led to the
visitors equalising and then racing into a 3-1 lead before the home
team knew what was happening. A fourth goal soon followed and sent the
large travelling contingent in Harriers' largest attendance of the
season home happy.
- 8 January
Luton Town Preview
Harriers face one of their stiffest tests yet this evening when
high-flying Luton Town visit Aggborough for a re-arranged Division Three
game.
The game was originally due to be played at the beginning of December
but Luton cried off when they couldn't field a side. At that point,
the Hatters were in the midst of a poor run of form losing three out
of four, but since then they have won four and drawn one with boss Joe
Kinnear named as Manager-of-the-Month for December.
Harriers have number of injury worries, Adie Smith and Abdou Sall
are long term absentees, while Ian Clarkson and Colin Larkin picked
up injuries in clash with Torquay at the weekend and are rated as
doubtful for tonight. Laarkin pulled his hamstring and if he doesn't
respoond to treatment he could be out for three weeks, Ian Foster is
the most likely replacement. Clarkson picked up dead leg but he could
make it for this evening. Replacements at the back are thin on the
ground, if Clarkson doesn't play Lee Ayres will probably fill in and
Danny Williams will continue in the centre. The Hatters will be at
near full strength with only Carl Griffiths and Chris Coyne long term
absentees.
Following Saturday's win at Torquay Harriers are still the form
team in the division, and a continuation of that form will see them in
a play-off position at full time, victory would lift them to fourth.
I expect Harriers to line-up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps,
Blake, Hinton, Bennett, Larkin, Williams, Henriksen, Foster, Appleby.
- 7 January
Harriers Release Two Players
Harriers have today cancelled the contracts of two senior players. Paul
Webb and Mark Shail have both been released "with immediate effect" as
neither was going to have their contract renewed at the end of the
season.
Career details can be found here for Webb and
Shail.
Both players have left amicably, wishing the club well for the
future. Speaking to the Official
Website Webb said, "I'm sad to be leaving but it had to happen some
time. I have had a fantastic time here and I wish the club and its'
fans the best of luck in the future", while Shail said, "I'm going
to carry on playing but I'll definitely keep one eye on Kidderminster's
results in the future".
- 6 January
Molby Pleased With Away Win
"It was an excellent win" - Jan Molby
Jan Molby was pleased with yesterday's win at Torquay, particularly
as the team's performance didn't reach the heights of recent games, he
said, "It was an excellent win but we didn't play anywhere near our
best. I thought we looked tired".
He continued, "Full credit to the players, they have dug in on a
difficult pitch. I feel sorry for Roy McFarland, he is trying to
create a footballing side but that has to be the worst pitch in the
third division.
"We had to change the way we play a little bit, we went for the
long ball over the top but it caused them problems every time we did
it. Although we have played nowhere near our best we could have been
talking about seven or eight goals because we had that many chances".
- 5 January
Gulls Wings Clipped
Harriers recorded their first Football League double with a 4-1
victory at Torquay United, also their best ever away win in the professional
ranks, despite not playing very well. Another goal from Dane Bo
Henriksen, his fifth in eight games, one from Richie Appleby and two
from substitute Ian Foster gave Harriers a comfortable victory.
- 4 January
Torquay United Preview
Harriers have only one major selection problem for tomorrow's trip
to Torquay with Abdou Sall set to miss out for the next three weeks
following the groin strain he picked up in the game against Hull.
Both Mark Shail and Lee Ayres are standing by to fill in for the
big Senegalese defender, or Danny Williams could play at the back as
he did last week with Dean Bennett dropping back into midfield and
either Ian Foster, Andy Ducros or Drewe Broughton coming in up front.
Torquay are not in the best of form at the moment having failed
to win any of their last nine games in the League, the last victory
coming against Shrewsbury on October 27, while Harriers are the form
team in the division winning seven of the last nine.
A late goal denied Harriers full points in the corresponding fixture
last season and a Tony Bird penalty ensured Harriers won when the teams
met earlier this season. For a full rundown of previous Harriers -
Torquay encounters, click here.
I expect Harriers to line up as follows: Brock, Clarkson, Stamps,
Blake, Hinton, Shail, Larkin, Williams, Henriksen, Bennett, Appleby.
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