STEVE Burr has been installed as the second favourite for the manager’s job at Northampton Town after his shock sacking by Kidderminster Harriers.

The popular 53-year-old was fired by the Skrill Premier outfit today after four years in the role, with chairman Mark Serrell citing a change was needed in order to achieve Harriers’ aim of reaching the Football League.

Harriers are currently seventh in the league, level on points with fifth-placed Halifax Town in the play-off zone and with three games in hand.

They also held League One Peterborough United to a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup third round at the weekend, with a replay next Tuesday.

Serrell said: “It’s our ambition to try and get Kidderminster Harriers into the Football League and we felt our best opportunity to get to that goal would be to make a change at this time.”

Burr’s name has since appeared in the running for the vacancy at League Two basement boys Northampton, behind that of caretaker Andy King.

The Sixfields side have been without a manager since Aidy Boothroyd was sacked just before Christmas.

Burr was under contract until 2016 at Aggborough along with assistant Gary Whild but was interviewed for the vacant Forest Green Rovers job earlier this term although he eventually decided not to go for the position.

A Harriers statement added: “Everybody at the club would like to place on record its unreserved thanks to Steve for his efforts while in post.

“The board of directors would like to state explicitly again that its sole ambition for this season is to achieve promotion back to the Football League and that they are fully committed to taking whatever step necessary to reach that goal.“

Former Stalybridge Celtic boss Burr guided Harriers to within two points of the league title last season before they were knocked out in the play-off semi-finals by Wrexham.