Kidderminster Harriers boss Steve Burr looking for more hidden gems

Sep 25 2010 by Colin Stoner, Birmingham Mail

CALLUM Gittings’ success with Kidderminster Harriers has further enhanced Steve Burr’s belief that the lower leagues can be a rich mine of untapped talent.

Gittings has made the step up four levels of the non-League pyramid, having joined in the summer from Alvechurch.

Harriers No.2 Gary Whild, who had tried to sign Gittings when he was Redditch United boss, first spotted the winger’s talent – and non-league’s top tier is not fazing the 24-year-old.

Burr says scouring the lower leagues can unearth more gems. “No disrespect to Alvechurch, but I can’t believe Callum hadn’t been picked up by a bigger club,” said Burr. “But there are other lads like Callum out there. You need that little bit of luck to find them and be prepared to give them a chance.

“He has done fantastic so far. It does take time to adjust but fortunately he has settled in well.

“There will be periods when his form dips – the same is true for lads like Lee Vaughan, Jack Byrne, Dave Hankin and Matty Blair because they have never played at this level before. We have to look after them as well.” Burr was delighted with the midweek draw at Fleetwood Town – courtesy of Byrne’s header from Gittings’ cross – and hopes Harriers can reproduce their recent impressive away displays on home soil.

Nothing less will be required tomorrow when AFC Wimbledon visit Aggborough.

“Going to Fleetwood was always going to be tough so it was nice to get a point,” said Burr. “We’ve done well away from home, especially against York and Wrexham, but we need to transform that form to our home games. Apart from Hayes & Yeading and maybe the Southport game, our home supporters haven’t really seen us perform like I know we can.”

Harriers await fitness checks on Nick Wright (illness) and Dave Hankin (hamstring) while the match against the Dons could come too quickly for John Finnigan to make his comeback.