THE man who led Kidderminster Harriers into the Football League has insisted he will not be returning to the Aggborough board.

Lionel Newton, whose cash effectively gave Harriers the spring needed to win the Conference in 2000, ends a three-year agreement to not be involved in club matters in August.

Newton remains a keen supporter and sponsor of the club but re-iterated his desire to sell his majority shareholding for just £1.

However, the catch remains the need for £400,000 to be invested for the good of the football club as part of the package.

The former Harriers chairman admitted he would be willing to discuss a deal with supporters' consortiums if they can raise the necessary finance.

He admitted: "There's a lot of rumours and counter rumours. I get told I'm doing this and I'm doing that.

"I've even heard that the board have approached me on several occasions and there's been a takeover and I've got people coming in.

"Well that I'm afraid is all rumours. No, I'm not coming back on the board or in any capacity.

"I would sell my majority shares for £1 but there has to be a substantial investment put into the football club, not Lionel Newton's bank account."

Meanwhile, reluctant chairman Colin Youngjohns, who has held the post since Newton's resignation in 2002, has admitted he has thought about quitting.

The life-long Harriers fan warned supporter unrest or his own health could lead to him standing aside.

Youngjohns said: "When I feel that the body of support is not with me I will be gone.

"I don't feel I match the criteria to be chairman. Financially, I'm not wealthy enough to do it.

"But, short of somebody coming in, I'm holding the fort, although there may be other factors involved for me health-wise."