AT least eight possible new signings have slipped through the net because of Kidderminster Harriers' unresolved power struggle.

"It's a bit like we're in a 'freeze frame' and there's nothing for the fans to get excited about," said Harriers' frustrated manager Stuart Watkiss.

Aggborough officials remained tight-lipped this week about talks which have been held between majority shareholder Lionel Newton and a consortium led by vice-chairman Barry Norgrove.

Until a decision has been made Watkiss is unable to boost his threadbare squad who report for pre-season training on Wednesday, the day before the Nationwide Conference fixtures are announced.

Watkiss said: "Let's be realistic. A football club can't operate without players so there comes a time certainly in the near future when you'd think players have got to be signed irrespective of what's going on behind the scenes.

"If you haven't got a team to field then surely it's the end of the football club, so there is a time when players will have to be signed just to get them playing and to get some revenue into the place."

Watkiss admits he had "a bad couple of days" earlier this week when he lost out on up to eight targets who he was "quite confident" of signing.

"But, in fairness to those players, they've got to take the positive offers. They've got mortgages to pay, families to look after and they want their futures secured. I respect them for that. They're not going to get any hassle or bad mouthing from me."

Watkiss revealed that his "wanted list" contains players who have proved themselves at Coca-Cola League One, Two and Conference level.

He said: "I don't want to publicly identify them as I don't want to potentially alert other clubs, so I think it's best if we try and conduct our business quietly at this stage.

"Obviously, if the board get their way - and that's the Barry Norgrove consortium - then I know what my budget is. I've spoken to the chairman, Barry and the board and I know exactly what I'm batting with.

"So I've spoken to players, explained the situation and I'm working off that. I've told the players that if the local consortium gets in 'this is what I will be able to pay you'.

"So they're aware of that and until I get the nod I can't make these players positive offers."

Watkiss also handed out a "stick with us" message to fans frustrated by the lack of activity in the transfer market.

He said: "It's a very, very difficult time for the club, there's no getting away from that. Obviously, it's always a difficult time for a club when they've suffered relegation, but what you want at this time of the year is to put that behind you and hopefully have new signings on board. That makes the fans optimistic about next season."

Meanwhile, Harriers scheduled friendly against Stourport Swifts on July 9 has been cancelled because the Walshes Meadow pitch will not be ready in time.