Harriers boss leaves for Cheltenham

The 39-year-old concluded negotiations with his former employers, whom he served for five years as a player, after a formal interview yesterday. The Robins received over 60 applicants for the post, but the Harriers boss has got the nod over caretaker John Schofield.

Cheltenham wanted a permanent replacement for Martin Allen in place by the time they play at home to Bournemouth on Boxing Day.

Schofield did represent the cost effective option - he was already on the Robins payroll and knows the players well having been in charge since October. But, all importantly, the former Walsall assistant was not the popular choice with the fans.

Harriers will be compensated, but the figure will not be necessarily high, as Yates and his assistant Neil Howarth to Whaddon Road were only under contract until the end of the season.

He said: "We have told Cheltenham what we want as a figure for compensation which I wouldn't divulge at this point and won't if they want the figure to stay undisclosed. Mark and Neil both wanted to go there, we are sorry to see them go as they have done extremely well for us.

"But they are trying to progress up the managerial ladder - we wish them every success at Cheltenham as both they and us look to move forward."

The initial contingency plan in place with the departure of Yates and Howarth could see John Baldwin take control of the team on a temporary basis.

The former Hednesford boss is on the board at Aggborough and Norgrove admits it could end up helping the club out of a tight hole.

He said: "I haven't got a clue who is going to take charge at this point, and we won't make any decisions until we know for sure that Mark is gone. There is no point in jumping the gun just yet.

"But if it comes to it John Baldwin will take the team while we find a successor. He's a director at the club who has managerial experience, so could help us out for a short while."