THE sales of Nathan Blissett and Chey Dunkley were not due to Kidderminster Harriers’ ongoing cash crisis, according to chairman Ken Rae.

Striker Blissett and centre-half Dunkley have joined Bristol Rovers and Oxford United on loan respectively ahead of sealing permanent moves in January.

Both deals come against the backdrop of the Aggborough outfit’s growing financial worries with benefactors Kath and Ernie Lane paying the shortfall in the wages each month.

Striker Michael Gash, midfielder Josh O’Keefe and keeper Jasbir Singh have also gone out on loan.

But Rae insists the departures of Blissett and Dunkley were only sanctioned by Harriers after their valuations were met.

The Kidderminster chief said: “We are a club which gives young players a good grounding so they can move on.

“What’s happened with Nathan and Chey is the same as Joe Lolley (Huddersfield) and Jamille Matt (Fleetwood).

“Oxford and Bristol Rovers made offers which met the club’s valuations of those players.

“It’s a case of not wanting to stand in a player’s way, you also have to let them go and develop.”

Rae also said there had been no interest in red-hot winger Marvin Johnson, who has scored four goals this season and will be looking to add to that tally at Altrincham today (3pm).

The 24-year-old has become a key player for Harriers this season.

Manager Gary Whild said: “Marvin is a lot stronger, he’s a confident lad playing well who looks as though he will score and create goals for his team-mates.

“I am delighted with him. He’s grown up in the dressing room and he’s showing his potential consistently.

“Everyone tells me (Grimsby winger) Scott Neilson is the best winger in the league, but I’ve seen Marvin play Grimsby twice and he’s had a huge influence in both of those games.

“He’s up there with the best.”