CRAIG Knight has joined the Kidderminster Harriers backroom staff as new manager Andy Thorn begins to make his mark.

The former Wrexham centre of excellence coach will hold a dual role with academy head Steve Guinan, who was already involved under former boss Steve Burr.

Knight has a masters degree in sport and exercise science and played for Wrexham’s youth team.

But the changes have seen Burr’s former assistant Gary Whild mutually agree to step away from some day-to-day duties after talks with the Skrill Premier club’s board.

Whild’s non-league knowledge helped to find gifted, young players from the lower levels, such as striker Jamille Matt, and he is contracted to Harriers until 2016.

Chairman Mark Serrell said: “If I am honest, it was always in my mind that Gary would remain in the thick of things but we respect his decision and we are very pleased to still have him with us moving forward.”

Serrell denied there had been a six-figure pay-off for Burr, adding: “The club and Steve reached an amicable solution. The terms are confidential.”

He added that there was no need to sell players at Agg-borough and he was committed to staying at the club, stressing no take-over is on the horizon as rumoured among fans.

The new manager fitted the board’s criteria of paying a huge attention to detail with training, fitness and preparation for every game as well as possessing the desire to succeed and a sizeable contacts book, he added.

Meanwhile, Harriers, who entertain Salisbury City today (3pm), will host their rearranged game with Woking on Tues-day, February 25.