Kidderminster Harriers chief prepared to back manager with transfer funds (From Worcester News)

Kidderminster Harriers chief prepared to back manager with transfer funds

8:00am Saturday 12th January 2013 in Sport By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers chairman Mark Serrell says funds from Jamille Matt’s record-breaking transfer to Fleetwood Town will be made available to bolster the squad.

The 22-year-old striker joined the League Two promotion hopefuls after they triggered a release cause in his 18-month contract.

Although the fee has not been disclosed, Serrell said the initial payment was the biggest in Harriers’ history – beating the £200,000 for Lee Hughes from West Brom in 1997.

He also said it ranked in non-League history as second only to Jamie Vardy’s £1million switch from Fleetwood to Leicester City last May.

That would take it in excess of the £275,000 Crawley Town paid York for Richard Brodie in 2010.

Matt had scored eight goals since returning from his nine-month visa-related lay-off and Harriers manager Steve Burr has been told he can reinvest some of the money.

Serrell said: “The funds we’ll receive won’t be used to service any debts at the football club because there aren’t any.

“Ultimately the long-term sustainability of the club is more important than any other factor and that should never be forgotten.

“But certainly if Steve and [assistant boss] Gary Whild were to pin-point players who they felt would strengthen the squad then we would support them as much as we possibly can.”

He added: “I can confirm the fee we will receive will be the biggest initial fee that this club has received for any other player in its history.”

The deal for Hughes increased to £400,000 through appearances, while Harriers received a further £693,000 in a sell-on payment when the Baggies sold him to Coventry City for £5million in 2001.