Harriers fume on Matt's Blades trial

Kidderminster Harriers today confirmed they did not permit Jamille Matt to have a trial with Sheffield United as he fights claims he is an illegal immigrant.

Matt, who was born in Jamaica but has lived in England from age seven, has still not received clearance from the Border Agency to play again.

But United manager Danny Wilson has confirmed that the striker has been training with the Blades, which Harriers claim is without their consent.

The club took up their one-year option to extend the 22-year-old's contract this summer, which the FA have confirmed is currently still valid.

Harriers believe it's a matter of time before Matt is allowed to play in this country again and helped foot the cost of legal bills to handle his case.

Their players reported back for pre-season training last Thursday and Matt was not among them, continuing his compassionate leave.

Instead, they discovered Matt was spending time at United with a trial that it's understood was engineered by the players' agent, Will Salthouse.

Harriers will command a fee as the player is under contract, under 24 and regarded as, perhaps, the club's most prized asset.

The big front-man was a target for Northampton last December and attracted two six-figure bids from Football League clubs.

Matt was called up but didn't play for the England C team and it's also understood that's when the Border Agency were alerted.

Players need to produce their passports to their respective Football Associations before they can be involved in international football.

He pulled out citing a back injury and, when the issue came to light with his club, he was put and remains on leave from playing.

Harriers are planning to issue a club statement later today clarifying their stance on Matt.