Kidderminster Harriers defender Martin Riley reveals it’s business as usual at Aggborough despite the growing doubt over manager Mark Yates’ future.

The boss is among the contenders for the vacant job at League Two club Cheltenham, whom he served for five years as a player. The Robins have already spoken to him, after chairman Barry Norgrove gave them permission last week.

The deadline for applications at Whaddon Road passed at 5pm on Friday, with as many as 60 applicants thought to have thrown their hat into the ring.

A decision is expected by the close of play today, leaving those at Aggborough with an anxious wait to see who will get the nod.

Riley, who has seen his career launched with Harriers by Yates after his release from Wolves in 2008, will be among them.

He said: “There is nothing we can do as players to affect it, we have just got to carry on and be professional as we have done. We haven’t trained much since the news broke because of the weather but the gaffer has been fine – it’s all been a bit jovial and the lads have been giving him a bit of stick about it.

“We have all been laughing and joking about it, but he would be a big loss to the club without a doubt. I really rate Mark as a a boss, he has done a great job on a small budget here.”

If Yates does end his near four-year tenure at Aggborough, Riley doesn’t think Neil Howarth will make the step from assistant to take his place.

The defender said: “I would expect Neil to go to if it came to that – they come as a pair.”