KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will use the windfall from Luke Maxwell’s sale to Birmingham City to help alleviate the club’s financial burden.

The 18-year-old has joined the Championship side for an initial £75,000, which will be paid in two stages.

Maxwell, who is a product of Kiddy’s academy, has returned to Aggborough on a youth loan until the end of the season.

It’s been a dramatic rise for the highly-rated midfielder, who sprang to prominence in the FA Youth Cup last season.

He made his senior Harriers debut on December 28, 2014 against Southport and overall has appeared over 30 times for the club.

Despite Kidderminster struggling, Maxwell has been one of the few constants in an ever-changing midfield line-up.

“Academy manager Richard Beale has watched him a lot but more importantly Gary Rowett wanted to sign him,” said Harriers chief executive Colin Gordon.

“It’s a great deal for the club and we're delighted for Luke.

"Birmingham know he’s better playing senior football here than in their Under-21 set-up.

“Luke’s been carrying us really, he’s probably played too many times because we needed him.

"If we’d had a different situation he’d have played less games for us.

"But he's never complained, he's just got on with it."

He added: “The money won’t change anything but it all helps.

“It goes into our general pot of money and will help pay off the club's debts.

"It means we might pay off a hotel bill, or a former manager or a player.

“It’s a welcome cash boost for us.”

Harriers are hopeful Saturday’s Vanarama National League home clash against Guiseley (3pm kick-off) will go ahead.

Despite rain and sub-zero temperatures, the hard work of groundsman Ade Ganderton and his team have ensured the playing surface remains in good shape.

Kidderminster were frustrated when Tuesday night’s league clash at Cheltenham was postponed.

The Robins drew 2-2 with Oxford City in the FA Trophy at the weekend, but were given permission by the FA to play the replay on Wednesday night.

Cheltenham initially wanted to play on Tuesday and Wednesday but the governing body intervened and the league clash was postponed for a second time as Trophy games take precedence.

Harriers, who are bottom of the table, could hand starts to Keith Lowe, Ousmane Fane, Arthur Gnahoua and Tyrone Williams against Guiseley.

It will be the first game since Gordon took over as caretaker following Dave Hockaday’s departure.

Their last game was on December 28 against Forest Green Rovers.

Gordon said: “We’ve had a mini pre-season which has allowed the new lads to acclimatise and settle in.

“Hopefully the fans will see that we’ll approach the game properly and be trying to get the win."

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