FORMER Swindon Town chief Jed McCrory says he came close to taking the reins at Kidderminster Harriers in January.

McCrory, who was at Harriers’ win over Woking, remains adamant he had a verbal deal with ex-Carpetman chairman Mark Serrell to take over at Aggborough.

He claims he was introduced to Serrell in December by the chairman’s wife Ruth, while attending a Kidderminster match.

McCrory, who had only just left Swindon, claims he wanted a break from football over Christmas, but was asked to meet the Serrells at Stratford Oaks Golf Club and says they offered him their 10 per cent shares stake in Harriers.

After meeting with the rest of Harriers’ board and benefactors Kath and Ernie Lane, he agreed in principle to takeover the club in January, which was when all of his ties to the Robins had been concluded.

McCrory says he has immediate access to funds in the region of £5 million from Quest Capital Ltd.

He also had a meeting with the then manager Steve Burr and assistant Gary Whild with the permission of Serrell about supporting them in the transfer market.

He said: “After being introduced by Ruth to Mark and holding talks with the board of directors and benefactors, there was agreement for me to take over the club.

“I gave a presentation to the board and benefactors and it was always my intention to give the same one to fans and shareholders at an open forum.

“I was disappointed the directors declined my offer to talk to supporters and shareholders, but I wish them the best of luck.”

However, McCrory claims his attempts to call Serrell were being ignored, but he requested a meeting after Burr’s surprise exit.

There was an agreement with the club to forward his proposal to shareholders and fans’ trust KHIST, only for the board of directors to decline his offer.

He added: “I was shocked when I saw that Steve had left the club, as he had an excellent record. Mark said he would be happy to hand over the reins to someone with the right skill set, which I believe I have.”

New Harriers chairman Ken Rae said: “The board did meet with Jed and he put his proposal to us which we decided to decline.”