MacKenzie unlikely to stay for good

Kidderminster boss Mark Yates doubts whether loan midfielder Neil MacKenzie will make his move to Aggborough permanent - because the club cannot afford him.

The Notts County man rejoined the Harriers on a one-month deal in time to play the last nine minutes of the 3-2 win at Eastbourne on Saturday, in only his second league appearance of the season after falling out of favour at Meadow Lane.

MacKenzie was previously at Aggborough for the club's first ever season in the Football League in 2000/01, making 23 appearances before leaving for Blackpool.

The Birmingham-born midfielder brings huge experience to the side, having made the best part of 300 appearances. His appearance at Eastbourne remains the only time he has ever played outside of the Football League.

He made 32 appearances in League Two for County last term and has also served Cambridge, Mansfield, Macclesfield, Scunthorpe, Hereford and first club Stoke.

MacKenzie becomes the oldest player in the squad - at the grand of old age of 32 - far eclipising 30-year-old Dean Bennett.

Yates is happy to have the experienced campaigner on his books, even if it is only short-term.

He said: "I know what Neil is about and he is a good footballer. We will take him for a month and see what we can do after that. The finances are not available at the moment to subsidise bringing him permanently, so we will have to see what happens."

Yates sanctioned defender Paul Bignot's one-month loan move to Blue Square South outfit Newport County in order to free up resources to bring MacKenzie in, with the possibility that the out-of-favour Bignot could go for good if he continues to not be needed.

Working on a budget, Yates has to wheel and deal to juggle his squad but is clear in his message: If the right player becomes available, the Harriers will do whatever they can to bring them in.

He said: "With Paul going to Newport, it freed up a few quid to bring somebody in, so I have gone for Neil. I want the best possible players I can get at the club and I want competition for places.

"The team is picking itself at the moment but if players of the right ilk do become available, then we will bring them to the club."