KIDDERMINSTER'S assistant manager Russ Penn insists the club's players will not be distracted by off-field issues at Aggborough.

The club announced last week that a change of ownership is now in the pipeline with chairman and majority shareholder Colin Gordon selling up.

A statement from the Reds said the club expects the change of ownership will go through soon but that the process was the reason new boss John Pemberton had been unable to strengthen his squad furtherin recent weeks.

However, Penn says it will be the management team that will shoulder any disruption the change might create and the players will be free to only focus on football matters.

That was evident as Kidderminster beat Curzon Ashton 1-0 away last Saturday as Ash Chambers' goal saw them secure a second win of the new National League North season.

The win also saw the players hit back after the previous week's 3-2 loss at home to Gloucester City.

Penn said: "It's not a distraction for the players at all. They just focus on their work and what they do.

"It's more of a distraction for the management team than the players because we want to get more players in and it's frustrating when we can't. The manager wants to be a success and so do I.

"We'll take all the weight off the players and look after them. They just need to focus on the games and that's what they'll be doing.

"It was pleasing the way the players reacted to the Gloucester game against Curzon Ashton. We emphasised before the game that they shouldn't dwell on it because it was one of those things.

"We were well in control of that game but didn't end up winning it. It was a crazy game and these things happen.

"That win can really encourage the lads now."

Harriers welcome Chester this Saturday (3pm) before going to Kettering on Bank Holiday Monday.

Penn added: "There is no excuses at the moment because we're still fielding a strong team. The issue is that we want better competition for places because that brings out even better performances.

"Overall, it's been an okay start as we've been in control of a lot of the games we've been involved in. It's just individual errors that have cost us but it is something that is within our control and something we can eradicate. It's a working progress."