I WOULD like to make some observations regarding the predicament of Harriers.
It is my contention that Harriers problems commenced back in the 90s.
The club then had Graham Allner, a very shrewd manager with a careful studious approach who secured for the club over the years a profit of £2 million in transfer fees.
Lionel Newton took over the chairmanship of the club and dismissed Allner and eventually appointed Jan Molby as manager.
This was a man who, in my opinion, showed no respect for the future of the club and soon trebled the club’s wage bill.
I know for a fact that on Allner’s departure the top wage had just risen to £250 per week and Molby signed players direct from the Football League paying them as much as £800-£900 – before the club went full-time.
Allner could have done this but had more concern for the welfare of the club.
I concede that the club gained admission to the Football League during this period but at what price?
This, in my opinion, was the start of Harriers living beyond their means.
I always thought that with the departure of Allner some financial problems could be on the cards, but I have been very surprised by their magnitude.
They have of course been very much hastened and exacerbated by some serious mis-management in recent years.
However, during the present predicament I feel that Harriers have been fortunate for at least four reasons.
1 The substantial financial backing and advice of former chairman Dave Reynolds.
2 The level-headedness of manager Steve Burr (certainly more in the Allner mould than the Molby mould).
3 The sterling work put in by KHIST.
4 The continued backing of their Hire-It owner John Davies.
DERRICK OLIVER Chester Road South Kidderminster
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