AS THE dust settles on Kidderminster Harriers’ FA Cup debacle, one question springs to mind: where does the club go from here?

Saturday’s defeat was a thunderbolt but it was the manner of the loss, not the result, which hurt.

Kidderminster froze on the big stage and the Glassboys took full advantage.

Harriers’ youthful squad has plenty of potential but that is all right now.

The youngsters on loan are all talented but the gap between playing on youth academy pitches and the sen - ior game is not one that can be crossed quickly.

Hot prospects need time and guidance and it’s the reason why Dave Hockaday, who has a good track recording developing rookies, was given the Aggborough hotseat.

Senior players are also vital but the club has been forced to make changes because of poor form and tight finances.

Joe Clarke (pictured) has left, Craig Reid was an expensive lesson and Reece Styche is poised to exit.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

 

The departure of manager Gary Whild saw the club take a different approach, with director of football development Colin Gordon (pictured) at the heart of it all.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The club’s situation is clear, funds are tight and Harriers need a business model which sustains their ambition to remain a full-time club.

The board of directors want Kidderminster to copy the success of Crewe, focussing on the youth academy. It’s a good plan but they also have urgent short-term issues which must take priority.

Most pressing of all, they must remain in the Vanarama National League within their budget con straints because relegation would have repercussions.

Harriers can avoid the drop but Hockaday needs a settled squad.

They are by no means stranded at the bottom of the table but the club must com - plete this painful transition quickly.

In recent weeks there has been too much upheaval and no continuity, with a host of players coming in and out.

Kiddy have used eight loanees from professional youth set-ups and this reliance on academy prospects is unsettling for the fans, who have become disgruntled with an ever-changing series of names on the team sheet.

The supporters have been superb backing a struggling team to the hilt, but Saturday’s FA Cup humilia tion is a severe test of their loyalty and patience.