Jamille Matt 'a big miss' for Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers management today admitted Jamille Matt is proving a "big miss" with the striker out while he fights claims he is an illegal immigrant.

Matt, who was born in Jamaica, has been put on leave indefinitely while his application for government clearance to resume his career is pending.

Harriers are set to allow today's loan deadline to pass without bringing in a temporary replacement but are unlikely any of their players to leave, either.

Striker Robert Thompson-Brown is back after a loan spell at Solihull Moors with Jack Cresswell, who has returned from a stint at Chasetown.

Another five forwards are on the books at Aggborough in Steve Guinan, Nick Wright, Anthony Malbon, Ryan Rowe and Marvin Johnson.

But Matt, top scorer with 12 goals and the subject of three bids from Football League club Northampton in December, is wanted back.

Assistant boss Gary Whild: "Jamille is the big miss for us, but we are not in the dark and we understand that it's going to run its course.

"It's obviously sensitive for the lad and we respect that, as a club, but we have kept in touch with him to see how he is."

Whild believes Matt will be able to keep himself match-fit of his own accord, despite not being able to play or train with his club.

The Harriers No 2 said: "Nowadays, the lads are always down the gym anyway and Jamille is no different. He understands that.

"Even when he was training with us, he was in the gym working hard and that's one of the reasons why he has done so well."

Cresswell's time at Chasetown may have ended, but ex-Villa and England midfielder Lee Hendrie made the same move from Harriers on Tuesday.

Whild said: "When Lee came in, it was something that suited both parties, people know he's playing now and he will decide where he goes from here.

"It wasn't a financial thing, it was a decision by the club that suited all parties and it was a mutual thing that we parted our ways."