KEN Rae has been named as the new chairman of Kidderminster Harriers following the resignation of Mark Serrell.

Serrell ended his three-year tenure at Aggborough with immediate effect following a meeting with the board of directors after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Braintree.

He claimed personal abuse from fans on social media was the reason behind his decision.

Serrell had come under fire from sections of the support for sacking Steve Burr last month and replacing him with Andy Thorn, himself barracked by fans at the weekend.

Former Redditch chairman Rae has been a director at the Skrill Premier outfit for the last two years.

Serrell, whose wife Ruth has also stepped down as a director, said: “I am proud and honoured to have played a part in helping to rebuild Kidderminster Harriers over the past three years or so, but during the past few weeks it has become apparent that supporters have lost faith in my leadership.

“I have always respected the fans view - although a minority have now tainted my opinion because of the personal nature of their vile and abusive attacks on me via social and electronic media.

“Both Ruth and I have family in the local area including parents, children and siblings and we are concerned about their well-being.

“It is now my intention to put my wife, family and business interests before those of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club although I still intend to support the club."

“Kidderminster Harriers is a fantastic football club and we hope our departures will herald the start of an unprecedented era of success in its history."

A Harriers statement said: "As a board we cannot thank Mark and Ruth Serrell enough for what they have done but, as they would agree, the most important thing at this moment is that our focus remains on the current playing season. "