MARTIN O'Connor could become the front-line contender for the Kidderminster Harriers hot-seat by translating cup form into league points.

But former Harriers skipper Mark Yates, coach at Burnley since the summer of 2004, is believed to have applied and will be a strong managerial candidate.

Although O'Connor is effectively in the driving seat, he is seemingly reluctant to take over permanently from old friend Stuart Watkiss who was sacked two weeks ago.

The caretaker-boss has dedicated their two-game winning run to Watkiss and now prepares for an important Conference spell.

A string of job hopefuls watched Kidderminster's impressive 2-1 win over Bradford City in the LDV Vans Trophy on Tuesday night.

Ex-Bristol Rovers boss Ian Atkins, former Manchester United favourite Frank Stapleton and Dave Titterton, who managed Stourport Swifts, were all in attendance.

Yates is still based in Hartlebury although he is happy learning his trade with Steve Cotterill at Burnley.

However, it is believed the former Birmingham player wants an interview and he could fit the bill with chairman Barry Norgrove looking for a "young, hungry and hard-working boss".

But interviewing will not start until January 9 as vice-chairman Neil Savery has been ill, while fellow directors John Baldwin and Wayne Allen have pre-booked holidays over Christmas.

Harriers' convincing displays against Scarborough and Bradford set them up perfectly for a Conference encounter with fellow strugglers Altrincham at Aggborough on Boxing Day.

Harriers then entertain Burton on Friday, December 30, and head to Altrincham on Monday, January 2.

O'Connor admitted: "It's a bit of a sad moment for me, I have to say. All of the things you've seen in the last two games are the things Stuart started and, to be honest, these performances have been coming for a while.

"I spoke to the lads and we've pretty much agreed that these last two displays have been for Stuart. I'm not going to say we'd started to turn the corner but you have to say things are now looking good for us."

Meanwhile, O'Connor must sort out the long-term future of five-goal forward Taiwo Atieno who is on loan from Walsall until the end of this month.

Reading defender Johnny Mullins' stay has been extended until late January, while Barnsley midfielder Simon Heslop's work experience switch is for the "foreseeable future".

Non-contract right-back Patrick Flynn, a former Wolves youngster, has been rewarded with a month-to-month deal after some promising displays.