MISFIRING strikers Jesper Christian-sen and Youssou Diop have been axed by relegation-haunted Kidderminster Harriers in a bold move.

The Jan Molby signings have both failed to set Coca-Cola League Two alight with only Christiansen finding the net once in more than 40 games.

Diop, signed in the summer from Toulouse on a one-year deal, was involved in a bust-up with physio Jimmy Conway in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Grimsby Town.

But the club have refused to confirm whether the decision to settle his contract after 11 appearances is connected with the incident when an injured Diop seemingly refused treatment from Conway.

However, following the weekend clash, caretaker boss Shaun Cunnington said: "We will address the situation behind closed doors."

Christiansen was billed as being potentially better than former favourite Bo Henriksen when he signed last January and impressed on his debut in the FA Cup against Wolves.

But the former Odense BK player, 24, failed to find his feet, despite some promising displays when pushed back into midfield.

A Harriers statement said Christiansen insisted on a contract clause that allowed him to leave if fellow Dane Molby departed and the club have now taken the option.

Over 24-year-old Diop's departure, it said: "He will continue to train with the club until a settlement on the remainder of his contract can be negotiated.

"This decision was taken following a meeting between the two parties. It is felt it was in the best interests of the club."

Meanwhile, Harriers' officials were remaining tight-lipped over the appointment of a new manager with caretaker Cunnington set to take charge of Saturday's home game with Northampton Town.