Ferrell could be out for season

The 25-year-old went under the knife on Monday to repair his knee cartilage, after playing through the problem for the entire season.

Manager Mark Yates revealed that Ferrell had suffered the injury as early as pre-season, when Harriers went to Barnstaple in July, but had ignored the injury to add his bit to the club promotion's challenge.

The player was eventually pulled from the side by Yates and physio Pete Dugmore to get the problem sorted once and for all.

By all accounts, it is lucky that the management acted when they did.

Ferrell said: "The specialist has told me he doubts I will play again this season. The tear is worse than we thought and the doctor also told me that, if I didn't have it done, it could have been career threatening.

"I am devastated, but I wouldn't rule out me being back again before the season has finished. I have just got to do what the physio tells me to do and hopefully I will be back sooner than expected.

"I won't give it up, that is for sure."

The Geordie put the team before his own health at the start of the year, with the midfield unit down to the bare bones, after Russell Penn had spent a month out with a knee injury.

Now Penn is back in action and, with Yates also signing Michael Carr and Chris McPhee for the middle of the park, Harriers have the bodies to cover the loss.

Ferrell admits his form may have suffered in his last few games he was involved in.

He said: "I am not a whinger, I am the type of player that just gets on with it, but I wasn't doing myself any justice with the injury, because it was affecting my form in the end.

"But with Russ out - before Michael and Chris came to the club - we didn't really have cover there."

Despite his absence, Ferrell has every confidence that Harriers will continue their promotion charge - with next stop Salisbury on Saturday.

He added: "With or without me, there is nothing to fear. One player doesn't make a team and we have enough to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season."