5/7/01 MIDFIELDER Neil MacKenzie stunned Kidderminster Harriers by turning his back on the club and signing a two-year deal at Blackpool late yesterday.

MacKenzie had reportedly agreed a one-year contract at Aggborough before making the drastic U-turn close to the start of pre-season training next Monday.

The 25-year-old former Stoke City player had been given a second chance by boss Jan Molby after being axed by Cambridge United last season.

It is the second blow for Molby within a matter of days as reported new signing Steve Jones agreed to join before changing his mind on Monday and heading to rivals Cheltenham.

MacKenzie has penned a two-year contract at Bloomfield Road with Molby's former Liverpool team-mate Steve McMahon.

And the midfielder told Blackpool's official website: "I am joining Blackpool because they can give me the opportunity to play at a higher level and they are a bigger club than Kidderminster."

MacKenzie had stalled on a decision during the summer before Harriers announced he was set to sign only last week.

The latest blow is so soon after the Jones disappointment which was a particular sickener for Molby.

The Dane had enjoyed a good working relationship with Bristol-born Jones while managing Swansea.

However, he was tempted by Cheltenham's offer, believed to be on similar terms but taking him to a club closer to his home.

He had been plucked from non-league football at Cheltenham in 1995 and became a firm favourite at Vetch Field before being released in the summer.

Molby saw him as a potential fans' favourite and admitted: "It's very disappointing. That's football unfortunately."

Harriers are now waiting on named target Mark Blake.

There is competition for the former England U-21 international who has starred for Aston Villa, Leicester City and Walsall.

Blake has talked to Harriers but is also wanted by clubs at a higher level after making a good impression at Third Division Mansfield Town over the past two seasons.

The hard-tackling midfielder showed his attacking ability with eight goals for the Stags.

Powerful Welsh U-21 midfielder Danny Williams has already checked in at Aggborough along with winger Sam Shilton.