Kidderminster Harriers chairman defends Steve Burr decision in half-hour video

In an interview with the club's YouTube channel which last almost half-an-hour, Serrell addressed a number of issues and also flatly denied rumours the club are in financial trouble and under pressure to sell star players such as striker Joe Lolley.

But the Aggborough chief admitted Burr's decision to speak with Forest Green Rovers about a possible switch in November did have an impact in the board's shock decision to remove him from his post on Tuesday.

He once more insisted the call was made purely on footballing reasons – with Harriers having lost four of their last five Skrill Conference fixtures.

"I think it is fair enough to say that since the start of November there was definitely a change in the club with the events which followed from Steve going to speak to Forest Green Rovers," he said.

"We have all tried to get over that and to try and move forward. That was the way we felt to go at the time.

"But it is a results driven business and it's fair to say we have not had the success we felt we would have as regard the league form in that period and that contributed to the decision.

"There are other facts that go into it. With hindsight maybe we would have made the decision sooner."

Serrell denied the club had been forced to pay a six-figure sum in compensation to Burr, who had been contracted through to 2016.

And he defended the timing of Burr's dismissal, coming as it did just three days after Harriers had drawn 0-0 with League One Peterborough United.

Serrell claimed to have been "blown away" after first meeting former Coventry boss Thorn, who was appointed manager on Wednesday, urging fans to get behind him when he takes charge of his first game against Salisbury at Aggborough tomorrow.

"I would like everybody to give Andy and his team of people the opportunity to take the team forward," he said.

"I think we see straight away a breath of fresh air going through the club. I believe he is the man to get us into the Football League."

Serrell has been dogged by rumours he is preparing to sell his stake in the club – sparked in part when it was revealed he has put his house on the market – but they are claims he outright denied. He also rubbished the notion the club is about to be taken over.

"At some time in the future, maybe a Sheikh, will come in and take over Kidderminster Harriers but nothing is imminent," he said.

Serrell maintained the club has no debt and Thorn will not be under pressure to sell players. Striker Joe Lolley has been linked with a move to either Peterborough United or Huddersfield Town.

"With regards to selling players, there is no pressure to sell," said Serrell.

"Clearly it's not within our remit if people want to try and buy our players but ultimately we do not have to sell them.

"Any decision which will be made will be made with the manager."