Steve Burr pledges future to Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers manager Steve Burr has insisted his future is at Aggborough after his team provided him with the perfect birthday present.

The Harriers boss, who turned 51 today, watched his side thump Kettering 4-1 at home last night to keep the pressure on the play-off places, with only goal difference keeping them out of the Blue Square Premier top five.

But Burr is likely to see five points scrubbed from the team's tally next Thursday, the club's deadline to appeal, after they were punished by the league's governing body for financial irregularities.

Harriers are still in turmoil off the pitch but, on the field, Burr's stock as a boss has grown further during his year in charge, which has led to concerns that he may be enticed to manage at a higher level.

Only yesterday, Newport's Dean Holdsworth was enticed into the Football League with Aldershot and, with the frequency of managerial changes at one of his highest peaks for many seasons, chances in the divisions above are becoming increasingly commonplace.

But Burr insists he will be spending this year, and more birthdays to come, at Aggborough.

He said: "This is a smashing club and my first year has flown by - that's football. Long may that continue, because I am more than happy here with what's going on.

"The speculation is quite flattering because it means you are doing a decent job where you are and that people are taking notice of you, but I can't do anything about it.

"This club is one that I would like to take on and into the Football League. Realistically, at the moment, we're finding it hard financially but hopefully that will change."

Match Report - Page 32