KIDDERMINSTER Harriers’ manager Gary Whild has wished Freddie Ladapo all the best after the striker headed for the exit.

The 21-year-old will move on early in January after agreeing to end his contract by mutual consent.

Whild had no plans for the former Colchester rookie, while Harriers also wanted to avoid paying what is rumoured to be a five-figure fee.

Ladapo, who is represented by sports law firm Full Contact, was snapped up by former manager Andy Thorn, who also is also on the agency’s books, last January as a free agent.

But it is believed ex-chairman Mark Serrell and the Kidderminster board agreed to pay Full Contact a signing payment in two instalments, with the second half due in February 2015.

The Romford-born forward nearly made a memorable debut when he missed a chance to bag the leveller in Kidderminster’s 1-0 defeat to Premier League Sunderland in the FA Cup Fourth Round.

But he struggled to settle in the Midlands and made only four appearances before going on loan to Ryman Premier side Grays Athletic, where he has been prolific.

Whild said: “I have no problem with Freddie, he’s a nice lad and his attitude has always been very good but I do believe he was brought to the club for the wrong reasons.

“He’s a young man who came from down south to an area he did not really know.

“We tried to make sure he went to a club closer to home and he’s been scoring goals. We wish him all the best.”

He added: “All I can say is that during my time at the club, we have never paid an agent a fee for a player.”

Harriers will be without captain Josh Gowling for their Boxing Day clash at Forest Green Rovers (1pm ko) because of a knee injury, but Aman Verma has recovered from illness.

Kidderminster then face Southport at home on Sunday (3pm ko), before welcoming Rovers to Aggborough on New Year’s Day.

The Reds head into their festive fixtures with back-to-back Vanarama Conference wins for the first time since September after beating Lincoln City 2-1 on Saturday.

They are seventh in the table, just two points off the play-off spots.

“We’ve got three very tough games over Christmas,” said the manager.

“Compared to ourselves, Forest Green Rovers have more in terms of playing resources and a very good squad.

“Southport have a new manager in Gary Brabin and are fighting hard at the bottom end of the table so I expect a very tough match.

“Christmas is always a test of the squad, with all the games coming up. But we’re looking forward to it.”

l Harriers’ fans will be able to follow all the Christmas and New Year action online with The Shuttle.