COLIN Youngjohns has reacted furiously after a controversial group stepped in to weigh up an offer for Lionel Newton's majority shareholding at Kidderminster Harriers.

The current Harriers chairman has questioned the motives of the mystery rival consortium who are believed to have been involved with relegated Conference side Farnborough.

Youngjohns' own group, including board members, local investors and ex-chief Dave Reynolds, have offered Newton a deal said to be worth around £450,000.

Newton, who will release his shareholding for £1 and write off a £465,000 debt if at least £400,000 is invested in the club, has given the other group until a week on Friday to put together a formal rival bid.

But Youngjohns, a lifelong fan of Harriers who have dropped to the Nationwide Conference, fumed: "Why would these people from the south-east want to get involved with Harriers?

"The club has got no assets, it has just got relegated. Why didn't they do it six months ago when it was still in the league and much more valuable? I can't see how they can benefit Kidderminster Harriers."