Kidderminster Harriers urge patience over ownership

Harriers confirmed yesterday they are in the process of having a new owner, after Colin Gordon’s four years as majority shareholder.

Details on who is set to take over have not been disclosed because of legal reasons, but a club statement read: “The club is well aware of the conjecture circulating within the club’s fan base, and online. While it has not been our intention to withhold any communication, we are conscious that supporters have not been kept as well informed as they should be, and the frustration this can create.

“We can confirm that the club is, presently, going through the process of a change of ownership. We expect that this situation will be resolved soon.

“We ask that you appreciate that the legal procedure involved in this takes time. Because of this process, our hands are currently tied; not only in respect of what we can say publicly but, also, with regards to making new signings.

“We will issue a further statement as soon as anything concrete is agreed and completed. Equally, we will not comment further until then, as is only right.

“In the meantime, we would urge supporters to ignore any further conjecture and rumour, and be assured that the facts of the matter will be made public, once all legalities are settled.

“Most importantly, we would urge supporters to continue getting behind the manager and the players.”

And as significant matters off the field rumble on, Harriers are back in action tomorrow in National League North.

They travel to Curzon Ashton, hot on the heels of a 3-2 loss to Gloucester City on Tuesday night.

It has not been smooth sailing for John Pemberton’s side so far, but striker Richard Peniket is staying positive.

“You don’t get much respite, and it’s game after game. You can’t get too down when you lose and you cant get too high when you win – that’s the message,” he said. “Really, we have to go into Saturday with a positive mentality.”

In the Northern Premier, Stafford Rangers kick things off at Lancaster City – after calling in former Villa winger Tony Daley to put the players through their paces in a special training session on Tuesday night.

Halesowen Town and Chasetown also get started, in the Southern Division One Central and the Northern League South East Division at Yaxley and Frickley Athletic respectively.

In the Southern Premier Central, Rushall Olympic are looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season against Leiston.

Having grabbed a deserved point at Peterborough Sports on the opening day, the Pics followed it up with a 3-1 victory over Redditch United on Tuesday in the first game played on the new Dales Lane artificial playing surface.

“Redditch battled well and played some decent stuff at times,” said boss Liam McDonald. “That said, despite us looking a little tired at times, we deserved the victory in the end. There have been plenty of positives to come out of our first two performances of the season, but there are also things that we need to improve upon.

“We’re always looking to progress and do better and the lads have been fully focussed in training as we prepare for Saturday’s game.”

Rushall find themselves up against a Leiston outfit smarting from their 5-1 reverse at AFC Rushden & Diamonds on Tuesday, having started the campaign with a home draw against Coalville Town.

“It’s going to be a physical battle,” added McDonald. “Leiston come into the game on the back of a heavy defeat in their last game, but they have some good individual players and they will be determined to respond in the right way.

“You can take nothing for granted in this League. It’s always tough and competitive and we’ll be as well-prepared and ready for the challenges that lie ahead as we can be.”

Stourbridge and Hednesford Town take each other on, with Stour looking to extend their perfect record having won both of their opening two games.

The Pitmen, meanwhile, have won one and lost one ahead of the War Memorial Ground encounter.