KIDDERMINSTER Harriers chairman Rod Brown has called for unity as the club looks to the future following head of football operations Gary Whild's departure from the club.

Mr Whild paid the price for a winless start to the Vanarama National League which has left them bottom of the table and fighting to escape relegation.

Disappointing results against Lincoln, Halifax and Torquay in recent weeks were the final straw for the board of directors.

Mr Brown admitted the decision to remove his old friend, who he worked with at Redditch United and Stourport Swifts, was one of the most difficult decisions of his time in football.

He said: "Gary and I are still friends and we've spoken several times since him departing the club.

"He understands that football is a results driven business but we've offered him a role which is he mulling over.

"We hadn't won in our first 11 games, unfortunately performances were not improving and the board felt we had to act. I am a democratic guy and it was a joint decision by all of the directors.

"But this was a very hard decision, Gary is incredibly well-respected at the club and very popular. He's done an awful lot for Harriers and we can't thank him enough for his efforts.

"What's important now is we all stick together through this tough period and make sure we bring the right person in.

"Our priority is the long term future of the club."

Mr Whild had joined the Aggborough outfit in the summer of 2010 as Steve Burr's assistant but became manager in March 2014 after a brief spell gardening leave when he replaced Andy Thorn.

With an eye for talent, he had a hand in unearthing stars such as Jamille Matt, Joe Lolley, Matty Blair and Chey Dunkley and helped to generate hundreds and thousands of pounds in transfer fees for the club.

Two weeks ago he had been named head of football operations but the attempt shake-up the backroom team did not have the desired effect as Tim Flowers declined the head coach position and Mark Creighton left as part of the restructure.

A Premier League title winner with Blackburn, Mr Flowers has turned down a role and has also left the club, with agent and football development director Colin Gordon looking after team affairs.

Brown added: "We tried to shake things up several weeks ago. Many football clubs have head coaches now and Gary was involved in that decision.
"We thought Tim Flowers would jump at the chance but after a week, it became clear he did not want the role.
"Tim joined the club primarily because of Gary and we thank him for his efforts and wish him the best of luck."

Gordon was in charge of Harriers' 3-2 loss at Bromley and Tuesday and will be at the helm for Saturday's trip to Barrow (3pm ko).

Kidderminster are searching for a new head coach to work with the club's young players.

The chairman added: "The fans have been absolutely superb, we haven't won a game this season but I think we've only slipped below attendances of 1,500 for one match.

"They have got behind the team and I hope they do so again."On the previous shake-up.

Meanwhile Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST), who are represented on the club's board by Geoff Coles and Dave Williams, have released a statement, supporting the decision to make a change.

It said: "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."

"We tried to shake things up several weeks ago. Many football clubs have head coaches now and Gary was involved in that decision.

"We thought that Tim Flowers would jump at the chance but after a week, it became clear he did not want the role.

"Tim joined the club primarily because of Gary and we thank him for his efforts and wish him the best of luck."

The chairman added: "The fans have been absolutely superb, we haven't won a game this season but I think we've only slipped below attendances of 1,500 for one match.

"They have got behind the team and I hope they do so again."

KHIST said: Meanwhile Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST), who are represented on the club's board by Geoff Coles and Dave Williams, have released a statement, supporting the decision to make a change.

It said: "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."

RB