Kidder clearout continues

Jan, wheelin&dealing
By Kj
December 1 2003

Harriers have sold young striker Matt Lewis to Hinkley, as the rookie follows fellow youngster Lee Ayres out of the door. As Jan continues to change the squad, the JJJ asks, Does the youth set up need looking at?

CLEAROUT CONTINUES
Harriers boss Jan Molby has continued his restructuring of the Harriers squad this weekend with the news that young striker Matt Lewis is on his way to Hinkley United. Earlier this week also saw the departure of another younger player, defender Lee Ayres being released, with the former Walsall youngster now lining up with Conference side Tamworth. Unlike Ayres, it appears that Harriers will get a fee for Lewis, who has enjoyed a successful loan spell with the Knitters earlier this season. A fee in the region of £5000 is being mentioned, which is not bad business. Of course, not quite the fee Jan had in mind when he 1st signed Lewis and described him has potentially a million pound player. Matt unfortunately has struggled at 1st team level, and failed to score in the football league. May we wish him all the best in his career. Harriers still could benefit though, apparently there is a sell on clause within the deal.
With the release of two youngsters and the lack of talent coming through, I sometimes wonder if its worth having a youth team. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a criticism of anyone involved, its just not working. Perhaps more attention is needed with regard to a reserve team instead. All of our youth set up is run on part time lines, i.e. manager Shaun Cunnington is part time, as was John Deakin and Ian Britton before him. And of course all of the players are part time as well. With many other League teams running full time academies, it will be difficult to attract the right type of player. Sure, it worked when we in the Conference, with the set up producing the likes of Lee Hughes and Richard Forsyth. The only 1st team squad players at the moment from the youth set up are John Danby and Nick Heath. Neither of those has had much of a look in, have they ? Danby has yet to start a league game, whilst Heath is out on loan at Cinderford (I think!).
Unless we can get a full time set up then maybe it might be worth scaling down the youth team. We currently have and under 18’s and under 19’s. might be worth just having one of the above and a reserve team. As I said earlier, this is not to have a go, just common sense really. The players in the youth team are unlikely to progress to 1st team level. Where as, if we had a reserve team, we could get 1st teamers fit, play some youngsters plus the odd trialist. Might be worth a thought.
So with two players gone surely Jan is now set to make some signings. Of course, Jesper Christiansen is believed to be certain to arrive soon. The 6ft 3” Dane is likely to be released by Odense in January, although he might arrive sooner. Pity that he isn’t available for next weeks FA Cup clash with Woking. Jesper would have had to sign 7 days before the game to be allowed to play. Another target is the so called “ Mystery man”, who is believed to be a midfielder. I have an idea who it could be, but it would be wrong for me to speculate. All I can say is, that if its who I think it is, then he should be a valuable addition.
Anyway, that’s all for now, as Harriers prepare for next Saturday’s clash with Woking. I will post more details on the Woking game later in the week. Lets hope we can progress and also there is a good following from Kidder there. I have heard that at least 2 coaches are booked, that’s good news. So see you there.
UPDATE (1/12)
Defender Adam Willis's loan at Burton Albion has been extended for a further month.(source official site, see Kiddy Links)