STRIKER Anthony Malbon has left Harriers by mutual consent.

The 22-year-old was a popular figure with fans but has suffered ups and down during his time at Harriers.

Joining for a fee of £7,000 from Newcastle Town, Malbon made an immediate impact for the Reds when he came off the bench to score the winner against Alfreton on his debut.

The former Port Vale forward went onto score 35 goals in 107 appearances.

His career at Harriers was punctuated by long spells without scoring and absolutely prolific periods.

In the second half of the 2012-13 season, Malbon overcame a goal drougt to score 19 goals in as many league games, as Kidderminster narrowly missed out on the Conference Premier title.

That run made him one of the hottest hitmen in non-league football.

However, last season he never regained his predatory touch, bagging seven in just 35 appearances as he struggled with form and fitness.

At one stage, previous manager Andy Thorn mooted the idea of sending the forward on loan, prompting criticism from supporters.

With strikers Craig Reid and Reece Styche signed this summer and Michael Gash, Nathan Blissett, Freddie Ladapo, Marvin Johnson and Ahmed Obeng capable of playing in the forward roles, there is plenty of competition for places at Aggborough.

The forward has been mooted with a move to Stalybridge Celtic but the young hitman is keeping his options open and is hoping to remain at Conference Premier level.

“Anthony has obviously done very well since joining us and had scored a lot of very important goals,” said manager Gary Whild.

“But with the way the squad was shaping up for the new season it was clear his first-team opportunities might be a bit more limited.

“The club has always been good to Anthony and in the circumstances it seemed only fair to allow him to leave and pursue a new challenge.”