Harriers decide on eight players

Kidderminster Harriers have made decisions on eight of their current playing squad before manager Steve Burr departs on his summer holiday to Scotland today.

Youngsters Tom Sharpe, Nathan Hayward and Kyle Hadley are on the verge of signing new one-year deals, after accepting one-year extensions to their contract.

Star defender Martin Riley has also been offered new terms, but is attracting interest from the Football League with some clubs even willing to pay the compensation fee Harriers would be due as the player is under 24.

The manager said: "I have spoken to Martin and he has said that there are a number of clubs who have stated they are prepared to pay money to take him for next season.

"We have offered him re-engagement with us, so we do have that protection should he get himself fixed up with a club."

It has also emerged that another centre-half Gavin Caines, who finished the season on loan at Luton, had an appearance-related clause in his contract that has triggered an automatic extension to his deal.

But boss Burr feels that the 26-year-old has no future at Aggborough and has made him available on a free transfer.

It's also the end of the road for Liam Dolman, who has been released at the end of his one-year deal.

But there is a glimmer of hope for veteran Marcus Bignot, who has been at the club on non-contract forms since February.

The manager cannot offer the 35-year-old a role in his backroom with the current budget, but is hoping to free some money up later in the summer.

It may not be enough to keep him at the club anyway, as Bignot is currently chasing the opportunity of a top coaching job in the United Arab Emirates.

There is a second chance for winger David McDermott, who has been invited to join the squad for pre-season training in the hope of earning a new deal.

But there is still no decision on the club's longest serving player, midfielder Dean Bennett.