No need for Harriers to sell, says Mark Yates

Sep 20 2008 By Nick Pullen, Birmingham Mail

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Mark Yates insisted this week that he’s under no pressure to part company with any of his players.

Yates remains mindful he must balance the books at Aggborough, but stressed that had nothing to do with midfielder Michael McGrath moving to rivals Worcester City this week on a month’s loan.

McGrath has failed to feature in any of Harriers’ nine Blue Square Premier games this term and Yates confirmed: “Michael was getting a little bit frustrated that he wasn’t getting in the side.

“Like all players, they think they should be in the starting line-up.

“But the fact that Michael is going to Worcester doesn’t mean we’re shutting the door on him.’’

However, Yates admitted: “Money’s tight at the moment, but I’m trying to keep as many players as I can. But if one or two want to go out, then that’s up to them.

“I’m not under any pressure to get rid of people, but obviously I’m aware I can’t keep everybody happy all the time.”

However, Yates is keeping his fingers crossed that the strike partnership of Justin Richards and Matthew Barnes-Homer can continue to blossom.

Barnes-Homer hit the winner in last week’s excellent 1-0 win over Oxford United, taking their partnership tally to 10 this season.

Yates insisted: “They’re becoming a real handful for the opposition at the moment and it’s important we keep giving them the right service.

“We’re winning matches at present and the more we keep on winning, the more people will come.”