CHEY Dunkley has become the latest high-profile player to leave cash-strapped Kidderminster Harriers after joining League Two side Oxford United.

The centre-half has joined the Us on loan until January after which the deal, for an undisclosed fee, will become permanent.

As part of the deal, defender Sam Long has joined Harriers on loan until January 1 and could be involved in Saturday's Conference match at Grimsby Town (3pm).

Dunkley's departure comes hot on the heels of striker Michael Gash joining Nuneaton on a two-month loan as the Aggborough club attempt to cut their wage bill.

Fellow striker Reece Styche, keeper Jasbir Singh and midfielder Josh O'Keefe have already joined Tamworth, Gloucester and Chester on loan, leaving Harriers with 17 players.

Manager Gary Whild also warned fans last week that forwards Marvin Johnson and Nathan Blissett could also be sold to balance the books.

He said: “I am not sure if Chey’s departure helps to resolve the problems at the club. The situation is in flux, which creates uncertainty for the players.

“We’re going to have to do some wheeling and dealing to bring in players, because we can’t carry on with the numbers we’ve got.”

Harriers head to Blundell Park looking for a first win in three games following last weekend's 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers and the 2-0 home defeat against Aldershot.

Grimsby, by contrast, are second in the table and are unbeaten in their last eight league games.

Whild added: “We’ve managed to hold on to the coat tails of the play-offs despite the uncertainty at the club, which is a fantastic achievement and we’ll do our best to stay up there.

“I thought our fans were absolutely brilliant on Saturday and their support meant a lot to them."

Elsewhere, in-form Hereford United travel to struggling Frome Town in the Southern League Premier Division tomorrow (3pm).

The Bulls are unbeaten in their last five league and cup games and have climbed to 12th in the table following an indifferent spell.

United's resurgence has also seen French striker Serge Mor Dip score seven goals in his last four games, including in last Saturday's 2-0 FA Trophy victory over Mangotsfield United.