Harriers agree fee for Matthew Blair

Kidderminster Harriers have reached an agreement with Blue Square Premier rivals York over the transfer of Matthew Blair to Bootham Crescent.

The England C winger left Aggborough at the beginning of this month as a free agent, after a breakthrough campaign with Harriers.

Blair was a part-time footballer with AFC Telford until last summer, but scored 11 goals for Harriers last season in 43 appearances.

But, as the winger is under the age of 24, Harriers are entitled to compensation from his new club, after offering him a contract to stay.

Harriers chairman Mark Serrell has been locked in negotiations with York counterpart Jason McGill this week and the two sides have reached an agreement, so an FA tribunal can be avoided.

Serrell also plans to use all of the transfer fee to bolster Harriers boss Steve Burr's playing budget.

The chairman said: "We have agreed that, as this is a compensation package rather than a transfer fee, we will keep its exact contents confidential at this stage.

"In the spirit of openness, however, I would like to assure all Kidderminster supporters that we are to receive a sum almost immediately, which will be handed straight to Steve Burr for use in his playing budget.

"There is also a future incentive as part of the deal which helps protect the club further."