Jan Molby's Krystal Nacht
As promised by Jan Molby last week he didn't hesitate in wielding the long knives on most of those fifteen players out of contract after Saturdays home win over Boston Utd.
Some big names were expected to go and many fans were forecasting who they thought would be shown the door. Craig Hinton, Scott Stamps, John Williams, Stuart Brock and Sean Parrish were amongst the names mentioned but on the day of reckoning only Craig Hinton could breath a sigh of relief.
Out of these the biggest surprise was Sean Parrish. He had probably one of his best games for us on Saturday and must be very disappointed at having to leave Aggborough.
Both Stuart Brock and Scott Stamps had been out of favour in recent games so there was no real surprise there. Brockie, who had been seen training with Derby County, could be going there but now that they will not be relegated there is no real need to bring in lower quality players at Pride Park.
Others on the list are mainly fringe players or those bought in on short contracts. These include Mark Yates who signed for us from local rivals Cheltenham and was one of the main reasons why we managed to escape the threat of relegation. It seems a bit hard on a player who saved our necks but Jan said that he was going to be ruthless and he was.
Bringing up the rear is Adam Willis, Kenny Coleman, Matt Gadsby, Graham Ward and John Williams.
The loss of John Williams was to be expected but he will remain in every Harriers fans memory for his all important goal against Wolves in the FA Cup in January and also for being the first ever Harriers player to win a PFA Player of the Month award.
Graham Ward will be feeling hard done by but he always did look a bit lightweight for the rigours of the 3rd Division. Like most of the released list he will probably end up at a Conference side but he has youth on his side and could make the grade in the League one day.
Gadsby will also be disappointed at being told his services are no longer required but he was one of the most frustrating players ever seen in a red shirt. Saturday was a very good example of his failing when he set up Big Johns' goal with a marvelous run but then a few minutes later played a stunning cross field pass to a steward at the back of the Jono Smith Stand.
Kenny Colemans' curse seems to be his stomach and unless this problem is cured soon I can see him having to hang up his boots.
The same goes for Adam Willis. When he first came to Aggborough he looked to be a good signing by former manager, Ian Britton, but following a car crash over Christmas he failed to make an appearance again. Whiplash was the reason given for his absence but it never seemed to get any better and the last I heard he was trying for an insurance pay out from the FA but that would have meant a similar scenario to that of Mike Marsh. He would have to ply his trade in non-league football.
Of those staying just four so far have been handed new contracts. Abdou Sall (1yr), Chris McHale (2yrs), John Danby and Steve Burton (length unknown).
There is no news yet about the last two remaining players out of contract, Craig Hinton and Dean Bennett.
That was just part one of Jan Molby's Krystal Nacht. There might be more to come.
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