STAFF at Kidderminster Harriers have been urged to pull together on and off the field after a dramatic week of cuts.

The troubled club followed up reductions on the playing side by axing five other employees.

Business development manager Terry Smith and long-serving receptionist Pat Carter have already left Harriers.

Another has joined them while two more are set to go before the start of the season but the club are not revealing names.

Two of those leaving have taken retirement as they are aged 65 or over.

Media manager Steve Thomas declared: "It has been a dramatic few months and hopefully now the horrible decisions have been made we can start again in August.

"The playing side has been reduced to 20 or 21 players and we had to look at the staffing structure off the pitch as well.

"It puts more pressure on the staff here but we must carry on pulling together off the field."

Harriers have been hit hard this year with the departure of millionaire chairman Lionel Newton and the collapse of the ITV Digital deal.

Thomas praised Smith, who created valuable income when the club rose into the Football League, and Carter, a loyal Harriers fan.

He said: "Pat has been here for more than 10 years and it's terrible as she loves the Harriers.

"She has been like the face of the club over the years and this has been very hard for her.

"We do wish her well and we really hope to see her back here next season.

"Terry has been fantastic and has done a lot of good business for us as well as being a very popular chap."

Smith admitted: "I'm not bitter but I'm disappointed. I had a strained relationship with a senior member of staff and can't help wondering whether that's something to do with it.

"It just doesn't add up. I made the club nearly £250,000 in the last two seasons and my wages certainly did not amount to that."

Media assistant Marc Clarke, commercial supervisor Helen Sterry and Thomas are now likely to be more involved on the business side.

Thomas added: "We all have to make the best of a bad situation and the fans have been tremendous so far.

"But it's not just a Kidderminster problem. We are not the only club making cuts."

Meanwhile, striker Bo Henriksen should be fully fit for pre-season after a groin injury.