The star trio of Kidderminster’s released stars today face up to life in the footballing wilderness by refusing to blame the club that have put them there.

Goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, defender Keith Lowe and striker Justin Richards are now looking for other clubs.

This comes after a season that has seen breakthrough star Bartlett gain England C recognition, Lowe become an ever-present at right-back and Richards net 20 goals as one half of the most prolific forward line in the Blue Square Premier.

But they have been sacrificed as football faces up to the credit crunch – manager Mark Yates wanted to keep them but the club is not in a financial position to do so.

Now the players themselves have absolved the club of any blame, thats life as we now know it in the footballing world.

Bartlett said: “The club seems to be going in a different direction, the budget has been cut very heavily. Unfortunately, it’s players like myself who have been the victims of that.

“I don’t blame the club and especially not the manager. It’s circumstances, the recession is hitting very hard.

“None of us would want the club to risk their financial safety to keep us on. But Mark is going to have a bit of a job on his hands now.”

Michael Carr, Martin Brittain, Chris McPhee, Luke Jones and Craig Armstrong were also victims of yesterday’s Aggborough cull.

Brittain and Bartlett could be handed a lifeline Blue Square Premier new-boys Gateshead in their native North East – the latter has a long association with Tynesiders boss Ian Bogie.

Richards should also be OK, he has a long history of goals everywhere he has been and Oxford could be ready to offer him a lifeline after a previous loan spell.

Not too many strikers will be shown the door after a 20-goal season, but the 28-year-old bears no grudge.

He said: “I was surprised, I must admit, but it’s a sign of the times. I am sure the gaffer would have liked to keep us.

“But, as it stands, I am a free agent.”

Lowe was another let go after an ever-present season on the right side of defence.

The former Wolves defender now faces another summer looking for a club and has already set the ball rolling, with the formerly interested and newly non-league Luton in the frame.

He said: “The gaffer told me he has no funds, so what can he do? The credit crunch is going to take a lot out of football.”