KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Gary Whild says he will be wheeling and dealing to bolster his depleted squad as Chey Dunkley becomes the latest player to leave.

Dunkley is on the verge of joining SkyBet League Two outfit Oxford United today after the club agreed a fee for the 22-year-old.

The defender, who joined the Reds for £5,000 from Hednesford United in 2010, has passed a medical and was set for talks over personal terms.

He will sign on loan before the transfer becomes permanent when the window opens in January.

Dunkley becomes the latest high profile player to be moved out, Michael Gash has joined Nuneaton Town on a two-month loan deal, as the club tries to cut their large wage bill down to size.

With Reece Styche (Tamworth), Jasbir Singh (Gloucester), Josh O’Keefe (Chester) already on loan and Tyrone Williams back from his spell at Romulus, the club currently boasts 16 players.

At last week’s fans forum, Whild warned Harriers’ cash flow problems mean the likes of Dunkley as well as Marvin Johnson and Nathan Blissett could be sold to balance the books.

Talking about Dunkley, Whild said: “He’s been fantastic for the club and we wish him all the best.

“You’ve got to do the best for the club but also take into consideration what’s right the player as well.

“I think over the years there’s a virtual team of Kidderminster players in the Football League, if you include Dean Lyness, Mickey Demetriou, Lee Vaughan, Jamille Matt, Joe Lolley and Matty Blair.

“I am not sure if Chey’s departure helps to resolve the problems at the club. The situation is in flux, which creates uncertainty for the players.

“We’re going to have to do some wheeling and dealing to bring in players, because we can’t carry on with the numbers we’ve got.”

In good news, Kevin Nicholson has signed a deal until the end of the season, while Harriers want to extend the loan of Luton’s Matt Robinson until the end of January.

Whild praised the supporters, who backed the team passionately in Saturday’s Vanarama Conference draw at Bristol Rovers.

His honest assessment of the club’s situation at a forum has won over a minority of disgruntled fans.

“We’ve managed to hold onto the coat tails of the play-offs despite the uncertainty at the club, which is a fantastic achievement and we’ll do our best to stay up there,” said Whild.

“I thought our fans were absolutely brilliant on Saturday and their support meant a lot to them.

“We just wanted to inform supporters about some of the things we have experienced at the club.”

Harriers now have a testing double header. They go to Grimsby Town on Saturday (3pm ko) and entertain Wrexham on Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

Meanwhile, the under-18s side progressed into the FA Youth Cup Third Round with a 1-0 win at Burton Albion.

They will now face Blackpool at home on Saturday, December 20 (7pm ko).

Fans can follow the action from Grimsby and Wrexham with the Shuttle’s live match updates.