Chris McPhee turns down Hereford

Transfer-listed top scorer Chris McPhee was still a Kidderminster Harriers player today after turning down a transfer deadline day move to Hereford.

The Express & Star understands that the Football League outfit had an offer for the 13-goal utility man accepted by the club yesterday, only for the player to turn down the move.

McPhee could still leave Aggborough when the loan window opens in seven days time, as his two-year contract expires at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old is the club's highest earner but doesn't want to leave and will not be forced out, having turned down the Blue Square Premier's big spenders Crawley before Christmas and now Hereford yesterday.

His home base in Devon is also an issue as he has no wish to relocate his family, throwing up geographical problems with a move.

Speaking to the Express & Star, McPhee would neither confirm or deny Hereford's interest and only reiterated his desire to remain at Aggborough.

He said: "I want to see out the season here and maybe beyond that. My position hasn't changed, I have always given it my all when I played for Kidderminster from the day I came here.

"But, at the end of the day, the decision will always fall at my feet and, if the deal isn't right for me and my family, I can't just up sticks and go because I am told to."

The chances of the former England C international remaining a Harriers player hinge almost completely on the club being sold, with Warwickshire-based businessman Chris Swan's takeover in doubt again today with rumours a rival consortium are preparing a bid.

But McPhee also revealed that, before the club's financial problems came to light in October of last year, there had been loose chat with manager Steve Burr about a new contract.

He said: "To be honest, I don't get surprised by anything anymore, there's so much that goes on in football that comes out of the blue that you have to be ready for anything.

"But, in a way, it was one of the last things that I was expecting, because I had spoken to the manager before the club started having financial problems about a new contract.

"All the manager mentioned to me was that he wanted to sort something out for next season, but I know he is very keen to keep me at the club."