Caretaker applies for Harriers job

Kidderminster Harriers caretaker manager John Finnigan has applied for the job permanently as the club sift through the contenders for the vacant hot-seat.

The deadline for those interested in the post passed last night and the temporary boss' name is in the frame, after consultation with chairman Barry Norgrove yesterday.

Norgrove and the powers-that-be were expecting to whittle down the numbers to a shortlist at a specially convened board meeting tonight, which is now unlikely to happen with weather worsening in the area.

The chairman was due to be at the club today to check on the final list but found himself snowed in this morning at the height of the conditions, with his secretary processing applications in the meantime.

But Finnigan is now a contender, although the caretaker continues to take nothing for granted.

He said: "Myself and the chairman had a chat yesterday, where I told him how much I have enjoyed being in charge and how I would like to carry on doing it, either on a permanent basis or a bit longer on a temporary basis.

"I didn't have to apply formally, after we had spoke he told me that I was on his list of applicants, but I didn't want to push anything because I didn't know what his thoughts were on it.

"But if the club are happy for me to continue doing the job, then I am happy to be the manager for as long as that is the case."

Finnigan is by no means the only name in the frame, with former Harriers player Jeff Kenna and Chester City manager Jim Harvey known to be interested in the job.

Stalybridge boss Steve Burr, former England goalkeeper Tim Flowers and Wolves legend Steve Bull have also been mentioned.

The stand-in gaffer is happy to go with whatever decision the club makes.

Finnigan said: "If somebody else does come in as manager, they would have my full support as well because I still want to carry on as a player. And, if they wanted my help in a coaching role behind the scenes, then I would love to be involved.

"I have had a taste of it now and I want to take a step on the ladder."