STUART Watkiss has insisted he will not jump ship at Aggborough, despite the on-going unrest at cash-strapped Kidderminster Harriers.

The club take-over issue is lingering on, meaning Watkiss has little chance of persuading potential new signings to join Harriers in the near future.

And the Harriers manager realises he could be replaced if the consortium, believed to be led by former Farnborough chairman Ron Higgins, successfully buy out owner Lionel Newton.

It is all adding up to the worst possible early preparation for Harriers' return to the Conference, but Watkiss remains defiant.

He said: "I haven't considered quitting. I've got 12 months on my contract. I've got to gear up and prepare as if I'll still be here next season.

"I'm aware of what's supposedly being said about me maybe being a sacrificial lamb, but it's out of my control.

"Although I've got to take my share of responsibility for our relegation, I believe in my ability.

"I still think I'm the best man to lead Harriers and give us the best chance of getting back into the league."

The other take-over group, involving chairman Colin Youngjohns and ex-chief Dave Reynolds, are yet to be contacted by Higgins or his colleagues, who have not revealed their intentions to fans.

Newton has set a May 27 deadline for written offers and the saga looks set to drag on for some time still.

The situation is being monitored closely by the Football Association and Conference as Higgins must still sell his Farnborough shares.

Meanwhile, released Harriers left-back Billy Jones is in talks with Exeter.