Harriers boss feels sad for Rushden

Kidderminster Harriers manager Steve Burr today expressed his sadness that league rivals Rushden & Diamonds have been expelled from the Conference.

Rushden were demoted from the whole Conference pyramid by the league's governing body over the weekend, who concluded that the club could not prove its financial viability for the next campaign.

The league's main concern was a winding up order, as Rushden owe £189,000 to Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs alone, which was today adjourned for 21 days.

The club also have the right of appeal within 14 days and are seeking legal advice before considering their next move.

But, as it stands, Southport have been granted a reprieve from relegation, Thurrock will also remain in the Blue Square South, while Bishop's Stortford will move to the Blue Square North.

Burr has seen the rise and fall of Rushden almost at first hand and, in the penultimate game of last season, saw Harriers' play-off dream come to an end at Nene Park.

He explained: "I had just moved from Macclesfield to Hednesford when Max Griggs had just started to invest quite heavily there.

"When he was there he put a lot of money into the club and built a fantastic stadium but, more importantly, he was a really genuine guy and someone who everybody liked.

"You feel really sad that what he has built there and the fan-base he helped create by merging the two clubs is going through such hard times.

"For every team that went there at that time it was the Wembley of non-league and every player wanted to play for Rushden & Diamonds.

"Not just for a financial point of view, but also because of the fantastic set-up they have there."

Burr now hopes that Rushden can recover from what is a hammer blow to their standing.

He added: "I don't know the ins and outs and the full story behind it, but it's a club that has meant a lot to many people and it has had an impact on many lives.

"Hopefully they can get themselves sorted and go again."