NEW Kidderminster Harriers chairman Ken Rae has said it’s time for the club to put the events of the last few days behind them and look to the future.

Director Rae replaced Mark Serrell as chairman on Sunday after he and wife Ruth stepped down citing "vile and abusive attacks" from a small group of fans on social media websites.

It has been a difficult week for the club, with a section of the Aggborough crowd chanting ex-boss Steve Burr’s name and singling out manager Andy Thorn and the board for criticism during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Braintree.

Serrell had been well respected as chairman after helping the club recover from their financial troubles in 2011.

However, the board’s shock decision to remove Burr in January and just two wins in the Skrill Premier this year have angered fans.

Rae, who was chairman at Redditch United and sold the club to Chris Swan in 2011, confirmed he would hold the role until the end of the season.

Rae said: “We were shocked when Mark and Ruth announced their departure on Saturday.

“They have both done a wonderful job of helping the club get back on its feet.

“If I am half the chairman that Mark was then I will be doing a good job.”

Harriers got back on track with a 2-0 win over Woking on Tuesday night to record Thorn's second win in the league since taking over.

“Andy’s position in the club is secure,” Said Rae.

“He’s been brought in to do a job and the board of directors fully support him.

“I thought the team played well on Tuesday and the support from the fans was magnificent. We had the second largest attendance on Tuesday night behind Luton, which was also pleasing.

“The club is stable and now we must all pull together and look forward.”

During his time at the club, Serrell had been seen as a safe pair of hands and won praise for his handling of star striker Jamille Matt’s issues with the UK Border Agency.

A personal statement from Serrell said: “I am proud and honoured to have played a part in helping to rebuild Kidderminster Harriers over the past three years or so, but during the past few weeks it has become apparent that supporters have lost faith in my leadership.

“I have always respected the fans' view, although a minority have now tainted my opinion because of the personal nature of their vile and abusive attacks on me via social and electronic media.

“It is now my intention to put my wife, family and business interests before those of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club although I still intend to support the club.”

The departure of main club sponsor John Davies leaves Rae, Wayne Allen, Gino Ruffinato, Jo Hancox and Ernie and Kath Lane on the board of directors. The club will have to find a new company secretary after Ruth Serrell’s exit.

Meanwhile, Harriers will be hoping to build on their first win in six games when they tackle out-of-form title-chasers Cambridge United away on Saturday (3pm ko).

Fans unable to keep up with the action at Cambridge can follow The Shuttle's live match updates.