4/7/01 COMPETITION for players is still giving Kidderminster Harriers boss Jan Molby problems.

After Steve Jones' last-minute decision to snub a move to Aggborough, Molby has now missed out on Carl Hutchings.

The 26-year-old, who would have been a versatile signing for Harriers, is likely to sign a new deal at his current club Southend United.

Jones is still rumoured to be joining his old side Cheltenham Town but the decision of Hutchings is less surprising.

The Hammersmith-born player with more than 200 league games under his belt is believed to want to stay in the London area.

Hutchings, a centre-back, right-back or midfielder, has previously turned out for Brentford and Bristol City.

Molby also has plenty of competition for ex-England U-21 midfielder Mark Blake from Second Division clubs and Leyton Orient.

Nottingham-based Blake, a 30-year-old who made his name at Aston Villa and Leicester City, is said to be nearing a final decision.

With nothing materialising on the search for a goalkeeper front, there may be no more transfer activity until the players return for pre-season training next Monday.

However, Molby has secured the signatures of Wrexham midfielder Danny Williams and Hartlepool winger Sam Shilton.