EXPERIENCED midfielder John Finnigan will take over as caretaker manager at Harriers.

The 33-year-old will take temporary charge after the departure of Mark Yates and assistant Neil Howarth to Cheltenham Town yesterday.

Captain Chris McPhee will assist the former Cheltenham man for Boxing Day's home clash against Chester City.

McPhee's agreement with the club is such that he does not train in Kidderminster each day of the week, so to help on a more daily basis will be Dean Bennett.

Completing the quartet is physio Gavin Crowe who, as needed, will assist on the touchline.

"John is going to take charge of things for us as caretaker manager," commented chairman Barry Norgrove.

"Chris McPhee is going to assist him and Gavin Crowe is going to lend a hand as obviously if the boys are out on the pitch then you need someone on the line keeping things going.

"As Chris isn't here on a daily basis, Dean will also assist John on more of a day to day level.

"The four of them will work together and the whole dressing room is pulling together."

It's clear the instillation of a new management team comes with the busy Christmas period in mind as Harriers prepare for the double with Chester City and a trip to Rushden and Diamonds.

Norgrove has made clear that Yates' successor will not be chosen in a hurry.

Finnigan and co will steer the team through one of the busiest periods of the season and that remains his primary focus.

He stressed for supporters to remember that the side are in a strong position in the League table, and that those now taking charge, albeit temporarily, will need their backing.

"I have spoken with the players this morning and we've made it clear that we've had a bit of a disruption but as a team we need them to keep focused,"

he added.

"We aren't going to be rushing into anything because we want our next appointment to be the best one for the club so for now we want everyone to get behind John, Chris and the boys.

"We aren't rock bottom and without a manager, we are still just outside those play-off places and it's important we keep things going."

Meanwhile, it is thought that a number of managers have made enquiries about the vacant post at Harriers.

Former Republic of Ireland, Blackburn and Harriers defender Jeff Kenna and John Deehan are thought to want the job.