'Hands off' Jamille Matt warn Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers today issued a 'hands off' warning on striker Jamille Matt after confirming they have turned three "derisory" offers from Northampton.

The Football League club have had three bids rejected for Matt, who has attracted attention after eight goals in 15 starts this season.

The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer but Harriers would still entitled to a fee, as the player is under 24.

And chairman Mark Serrell has warned the League Two Cobblers are way off with their current valuation of Matt.

Serrell said: "We received a number of offers for the registration of one of our players that I consider to be derisory – they were, politely, rejected.

"Certainly, our opinion is that the player in question is capable of playing at a level much higher than League Two.

"Further, our valuation of the player is considerably different to that reflected in the offers."

Matt first came to Aggbrough in November of last year, initially on non-contract forms, from part-timers Sutton Coldfield Town.

The burly frontman made 22 appearances last season, 14 from the bench, and signed a one-year deal at the end of the campaign.

While Matt appears to be staying put, midfielder Scott Phelan has temporarily left Aggborough to join Vauxhall Motors on loan.

The Scouser will be closer to home with the Ellesmore Port-based Blue Square North club, where is due to stay until January 21.

The 23-year-old has made 15 appearances scoring one goal since joining Harriers from FC Halifax in the summer but has fell down the pecking order.

After the signing of former Aston Villa and England midfielder Lee Hendrie, Phelan has been allowed pursue first-team football elsewhere.