KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are closing in on a new manager as the club heads towards relegation from the Vanarama National League.

The Reds’ fate could be sealed if they do not win at bottom-four rivals Welling on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Even if they earn three points, Kiddy would still go down if results for Torquay, Guiseley and Halifax do not go their way.

With the club heading for the second tier of non-league football for the first time since the 1982-83 season, the need to bring in a new manager is a top priority.

Chief executive Colin Gordon is currently caretaker boss but has confirmed he will not carry on in the role for the 2016-17 campaign.

He confirmed they have whittled down the shortlist to three targets and could have a new manager in before the end of the season.

Gordon said: “We’ve been working hard to find the right manager for the job since Dave Hockaday left the club.

“We’re looking for someone who believes in what we’re doing.

“We have whittled it down to three and if we can bring someone in before the end of the season we will.

“We have worked very hard to turn the club around, we’ve got rid of £350,000 of debt and we’ll break even this season.”

Despite Harriers' impending relegation, Gordon says the aim is to immediately bounce back to the National League and then push for promotion to the Football League.

He added: “There will be clubs getting relegated from the Football League with £1,000,000 parachute payments. We can’t compete with that at the moment.

“But we will use next year to build up turnover and build up confidence in the team. We need to grow the club as a business.

“You can’t plan for everything but we hope to have a top-six budget for the level we are going into.

“We would like to get promoted next season and have a good go at getting promoted to the Football League.”

Meanwhile, youngster Ben Clarke, 17, has signed an 18-month professional deal at the club after impressing for the academy.