GARY Whild is set to unleash Kidderminster Harriers’ young guns in a bid to give their faltering season a boost.

The manager is looking at blooding youth academy hopefuls for Saturday’s Vanarama Conference clash at home to Dover (3pm kick off).

Prospects such as George Forsyth, Jordan Harrison, Nathan Millichamp and Dan Sweeney, who all signed non-contract deals and were handed squad numbers, could be given a chance as the club comes to terms with what is set to be a smaller playing budget next season.

Luke Maxwell and Kennedy Digie, who made an impressive league debut in Tuesday night’s 3-1 home loss to Eastleigh, are also set to be handed opportunities to shine.

Harriers’ winless run of games has been stretched to seven matches after defeats to Alfreton and Eastleigh this week.

The news comes in the aftermath of assistant manager Mark Creighton's withering criticism of Harriers’ senior defensive players after their mid-week loss.

With only eight games of the season left and the dreams of the play-offs finished, the club may also release players before the end of the campaign.

He said: “I think 99 per cent of Harriers fans would love to see local lads giving their all for the club.

“I think we’re going to have to look at drafting in the young lads and have a look at them for the rest of the season.

“Kennedy Digie and Luke Maxwell have already had a taste of the first team and did well, while Jordan Harrison is a carbon copy of Nathan Blissett.

“At the same time, you’ve got to be careful that you don’t play too many.

“We will talk to all the squad about the situation we are in so they all understand.

“We are not in any danger of relegation but we’ve got eight games of the season left and we’re desperate for a win.”

Whild confirmed he remains as manager, but admitted he felt that the Eastleigh loss had been a bitter blow.

It has been a tough campaign for the manager and Creighton, who have seen key men Chey Dunkley, Marvin Johnson and Nathan Blissett sold and others depart in a bid to reduce the budget.

Supporters are being urged to attend the fans forum at the Aggborough suite on Thursday, March 19, where they can quiz the board of directors about the future of the club.

Whild added: “I think the fans have to realise the situation we are in.

“We started the season well and were unbeaten in seven games but since then Mark Creighton and I have been dealing with problems behind the scenes which are not of our own making.

“If we still had Marvin Johnson, Chey Dunkley and Nathan Blissett in the side then I believe we’d be in the top five.

“But fans have to be realistic about where we are, we are in a transitional phase.

“There’s a little bit of uncertainty around the club because we don’t know what the playing budget is going to be for next season and I think it’s affecting some of the players.

“But hopefully in the next few weeks we’ll see what the club’s plans are for next season.

“If you are a Kidderminster Harriers fan, which I am, you want to hear some details on how the club will fend for itself.”

Tickets for the forum can be purchased on Saturday from Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust (KHIST) or by contacting Dave Pountney on 07872 915886 or via email at dave.pountney@khist.org.uk, or Dave Williams on 07984 625848.

Follow all the action from Saturday's home clash aganst Dover, with The Shuttle's live match updates.