Exclusive by MAT KENDRICK

AXED assistant manager Gary Barnett could be set for an amazing return to Kidderminster Harriers just days after losing his job because of budget cuts.

Barnett has already been lined up for a possible full-time role coaching the youth set up as much-needed funds begin filtering back into the cash-strapped club's coffers.

It would mark a remarkable u-turn for Stuart Watkiss's right hand man who thought his six-year association with the club he helped to promotion to the Football League had come to an end.

The 42-year-old coach was informed of his redundancy on Tuesday afternoon by boss Watkiss and was conspicuous by his absence from the midweek friendly defeat to Walsall.

That decision was reached to free up money for Harriers first team budget after a major shortfall from the £500,000 promised to Watkiss.

But with fresh investment expected to bring the wages war-chest towards its original level, the new look board are now turning their attention to stumping up funds for the youth team set up.

Along with their own cash injections, new chairman Barry Norgrove and recently-appointed directors Neil Savery, Gordon Howard and Wayne Allen have several irons in the fire.

An ambitious supporters' scheme called the 250-club is also hoping to raise vital revenue to plough into the youth system.

All of which could help Barnett back into a job at Aggborough.

With former youth boss Shaun Cunnington recently vacating the position to concentrate on his restaurant business, Barnet would be the ideal candidate to take on the role.

Although Barnett was seen very much as 'Molby's man' -- an image highlighted by his defection to Hull and subsequent return to Kidderminster with the Dane -- the former Wimbledon winger enjoyed a close relationship with Watkiss.

The two met and bonded some time ago on a coaching course and Watkiss had no hesitation in keeping Barnett on when he took over as manager last December.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with him as he's a great foil for me to bounce ideas off," said Watkiss.

"His enthusiasm and encouragement on a day-to-day basis has been a credit to him.

"Obviously you are very disappointed and very upset when someone close to you loses their job."

If Barnett did return to the club it is thought he would combine his youth role with scouting for the first team.

Experienced midfielder Martin O'Connor will continue in the player/assistant boss's role handed to him earlier in the week.