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