CARETAKER boss Martin O'Connor looks set to be given licence to wheel and deal as he prepares for potentially his last game in charge of Harriers at Woking on Saturday.

Harriers' dip in form under O'Connor and the player-coach's reluctance to apply for the job could count against him when interviews commence either tomorrow or early next week.

And with an appointment due to be made in time for next weekend's FA Trophy tie with Grays Athletic, O'Connor could be set for his seventh and final match at the helm this Saturday.

Even so the former Blues and Walsall captain could be given the go ahead to release players and draft in replacements over the next few days.

O'Connor said the indications were that in the absence of a new manager he would be allowed to recruit over the next few days.

"The board are meeting and hopefully something will get done regarding getting people in and the funds available," he said.

"The way it's looking it seems that I'm going to be allowed to wheel and deal but I don't want to upset the club when a new manager comes in because they'd be starting on the wrong footing.

A decision on transfers will be rubber-stamped at tonight's board meeting at Aggborough, although O'Connor has already been on the phone pursuing potential targets.

Following Taiwo Atieno's return to Walsall after a three-month loan, O'Connor has contacted Bescot boss Paul Merson about the possibility of loaning another Saddlers striker, Kris Taylor.

But despite O'Connor's links with Walsall, where he used to be captain, Taylor is thought to prefer a move to Burton Albion.

With talk of Mark Jackson, Iyseden Christie and Terry Fleming all interesting York City, the caretaker boss is also believed to have investigated bringing striker Andy Bishop the other way.

But the prospect of the former Harriers loan man returning is a virtual non-starter with the Minstermen holding out for a large transfer fee.

Whether Kidderminster will insist on a fee for Jackson or any of their other contracted players is still unknown.

Also on O'Connor's radar is a left back as cover for Hatswell, who has been playing through the pain of a calf strain in recent matches.

"The phone's been ringing for people from our squad but I've also tried to get people in," he said.

"The players I've earmarked unfortunately want to go to a higher position club and there's nothing I can do about that.

"I've just got to keep striving to freshen up what I think is a decent dressing room.

"We can't keep relying on Iyseden Christie to put the ball in the back of the net and I desperately want a proven striker - and we could do with cover at left back.

O'Connor confirmed that Harriers were listening to offers for Mark Jackson, Iyseden Christie and Wayne Hatswell and were keeping the players informed.

"We need to balance the books and the players mentioned are looking for a higher standard of football.

"Whether they can play at that standard, who knows, it's up to them. We've had inquiries about those three and other players in the squad but I'm not sure it's my call to make at the moment.

"I don't want to leave the club in an unfortunate position when the new manager comes in.

"If an offer is made to one of them that is deemed the right offer for the club then it will happen, but that's for the board to decide.

Meanwhile, Johnny Mullins is available for the trip to Kingfield Stadium after a one-match ban.

Along with Hatswell's injury, Lee Thompson is still struggling with a swollen ankle. Simon Russell could be in line for a recall after impressing as a substitute in the disappointing 3-0 defeat at Altrincham on Monday.