Kidderminster Harriers tell skipper Keith Lowe he can leave

The club yesterday confirmed the popular 31-year-old will be allowed to leave Aggborough on a free transfer, just three months after agreeing to extend his contract.

Boss John Eustace held a meeting with Lowe in which the centre-back was told he was free to seek a move elsewhere.

Eustace insists his decision was based purely on footballing reasons but it has come as a serious shock to Lowe, who posted a picture of the National League North team of the season, in which he was named, together with the message: “I wasn't expecting to be looking for a new club but football is a cruel game!”

In a statement posted on the official Harriers website, Eustace insisted the door had not been closed fully on Lowe, yet the former Wolves and Cheltenham man, how is in his second spell at Aggborough, is not expected to be short of offers.

Eustace said: “Keith and I had a discussion after the season finished.

“I’d made a decision and explained to Keith that he had our permission to explore other options and, if need be, was able to leave on a free transfer.”

He added: “If Keith does stay with us then it goes without saying he’d be welcomed back and treated exactly the same way as I do any of my players.”

Lowe made 46 appearances for Harriers as they finished second behind champions AFC Fylde before missing out on promotion through the play-offs.

In the process he triggered an appearance-based clause which extended his contract until the summer of 2018.

Harriers are yet to make a signing this summer with Jordan Tunnicliffe, Lowe's central defensive partner, joining AFC Fylde last month.