KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST) have backed the club's decision to remove Gary Whild from his position as head of football operations.

With Geoff Coles and Dave Williams representing KHIST on the club's board of directors, they were part of the decision-making process that has seen the former manager depart.

With Tim Flowers declining to take head coach role, Football Development Director and director Colin Gordon has taken over first team affairs for games against Bromley and Barrow.

Harriers' hope to find a replacement for Whild before their next home game against Welling on Saturday, October 3.

Here is the KHIST statement in full:

The KHIST board wishes to assure members and supporters that, we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation, following yesterday’s announcement from the KHFC board. The Trust is represented by directors, Geoff Coles and Dave Williams, who have been involved in the decision making process, which has resulted in Gary Whild’s departure from his management role with the club. Members will appreciate however, that it would have been totally inappropriate for any previous announcement to have been published.

Gary has been dedicated to Kidderminster Harriers, through good and bad times over a five year period. He has always given 100 per cent effort, firstly as assistant to Steve Burr and more recently as Manager.

His several successes in bringing young players to the club are well documented, as is the significant income generated when these prospects have moved on to continue their careers. The club’s financial challenges over recent times have had a damaging effect on its ambitions and expectations. Notwithstanding this, Gary has been constant in his efforts to achieve best possible results and in his support for members of his playing squad. Gary has the respect of everyone at the Harriers. and, we hope he will be able to accept another challenge at KHFC.

Whatever he decides, it goes without saying that we on the KHIST board wish him happiness and good fortune in his future career. We would also wish to express our sincere thanks for all his efforts over the past 5 years and for the good times we’ve had during his tenure..

We have nothing, at this stage to add to the statement issued on the club’s official website. We are advised that the vacancy is soon to be advertised and that suitable applications are to be considered by a selection panel. It is then hoped that a shortlist can be determined and interviews conducted, in time for an appointment to be confirmed before the next home match, against Welling United on 3rd October.draft Whilst it’s been a very difficult time for Gary’s friends at the club, this management change has unfortunately been necessary.

It’s been quite clear for some time that the status quo could not continue. The Trust’s board is therefore, supportive of the positive measures being taken by the directors and hope that these will ultimately achieve the success we are all seeking and, which Gary would wish for us.

We would ask members and supporters to show patience during the transition. Our young squad has important matches to play over the next few weeks and confidence will be paramount. With positive support they will perform to their best and, hopefully, results will follow. It’s a long season, let’s ensure that our team gets the support their efforts deserve and help them to get points on the board to secure the future of our club.