Caretaker's doubt on permanent job

Kidderminster Harriers caretaker manager John Finnigan may not even want the job on a permanent basis as the senior player steers the rudderless club through the festive schedule.

The 33-year-old was put in charge of the team yesterday after the departure of Mark Yates to Cheltenham, to be assisted by fellow players Dean Bennett and captain Chris McPhee, along with physio Gavin Crowe.

Finnigan is the best suited on the playing staff to the job - he already has the UEFA 'B' coaching badge and is planning to get his 'A' licence in the summer. The former Cheltenham and Lincoln captain's level of experience on the pitch is also without question, after over 350 Football League appearances over a 11-year career.

Now the midfielder has been charged with the task of taking the team for the three games ahead, starting with the first of two games against Chester on Boxing Day.

That could yet not come to pass, with a pitch inspection called for 10:30am at Aggborough on matchday after bad weather in the area. It could well be Bank Holiday Monday at Rushden & Diamonds where he takes to the touchline for the first time.

But all Finnigan wants to do is take each day as it comes and, while there is some hint that the job may have come too early for him, the new man in charge is ruling out nothing.

He said: "I am not sure how long it will be for, I have just been asked to take care of things until further notice. Lets see where it takes us, it was an opportunity that came up that I couldn't turn down, because I think it will be a good experience for me.

"I am just going to take it as it comes, and I am not sure if I would want the job permanently. If things go well and I enjoy it then I would possibly stake a claim, but at this point I just want to get on with it.

"If someone comes in as manager, I go back with the players, so I am still one of the lads if you like."