CARETAKER manager John Finnigan has entered the race for the Kidderminster Harriers hot-seat as the cold snap hampered the club’s efforts to step-up their search this week.

The 33-year-old is keen to cut his managerial teeth at Aggborough after taking over the reins at the club over Christmas, when Mark Yates and Neil Howarth departed for Cheltenham Town.

The former Robins midfield maestro, who is on a two-year deal at Harriers, is one of a number of names linked with the job, including current Chester City boss Jim Harvey, Stalybridge Celtic’s Steve Burr, Tim Flowers and Jeff Kenna.

Harriers still hope to name a permanent successor to Yates by the end of next week, despite the heavy snow stalling their search.

A board meeting set to sift through the 50 applications to form a short-list was called off as the members could not meet and a new one has been pencilled in for early next week.

Finnigan will continue in charge for Saturday’s FA Trophy second round home clash with Lewes (3pm kick-off), which is in serious danger of being postponed because of the weather.

“The snow has made it impossible for the board to meet to discuss the applicants for the manager’s position,” said chairman Barry Norgrove.

“It looks as though we’ll have to meet next week to work out our shortlist and go from there.

“John [Finnigan] has officially applied and whatever happens we’d like to use him in some role in the future.”

Finnigan oversaw a 2-0 Boxing Day win against Chester City at home and a 2-1 away defeat to Rushden and Diamonds on Bank Holiday Monday.

The caretaker manager said: “I have enjoyed being in charge and would like to continue if the club wanted me.

“Obviously, there’s been some talk about the club going for someone with experience, but if they did opt for a younger manager then I feel I am in that category. It’s down to the chairman and the board and whatever happens I would love to involved in some way.”

Harriers will be eager to name the new manager so they can focus on strengthening the squad for the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

The club were expecting to tie-up Kettering hitman Damian Spencer on another month’s loan spell by tomorrow, while Peterborough left-back Danny Andrew has joined Cheltenham after being recalled from Aggborough.

That follows hot on the heels of Luton striker Ryan Charles, who returned to the Hatters last week.

But Norgrove revealed that Yates will not raid his former club for any of their currently contracted players in the January transfer window.

The chairman said: “Before Mark [Yates] left we had an agreement that he would not make a move in January for any of our players.

“Obviously, it’s different with players on loan, as we can see Danny Andrew has been recalled by Peterborough already.”

n Harriers could face a fixture backlog if the bad weather continues to force off their games.

They are awaiting a new date for their league trip to Chester, after their New Year’s Day clash was called off.

The Football Conference clash at Hayes and Yeading, which was postponed just before Christmas, has been rearranged for Saturday, March 20 (3pm kick-off).