BELEAGUERED boss Stuart Watkiss has promised he will not walk away from Kidderminster Harriers despite the power struggle that is tearing the club apart, writes Mat Kendrick.

Watkiss insisted he is "still the best man to lead Harriers" regardless of who wins the battle to take control of the Aggborough crisis club.

Speculation is rife that Ron Higgins' Farnborough consortium would replace Watkiss with their own manager if their proposed takeover goes through.

And although the former Mansfield boss admits the prospect of being the "sacrificial lamb" is worrying, he will not jump before he is pushed.

"I haven't considered quitting," he said. "I've got 12 months on my contract and 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 stalemate in the boardroom battle advanced slightly this week. Major shareholder Lionel Newton's solicitors writing to the Harriers board to officially inform them of the interest from the Farnborough consortium.

Chairman Colin Youngjohns and Co are now waiting for direct contact from the Higgins-led Farnborough group.

The current board are also honing their own formal offer, in the knowledge that Newton steadfastly refuses to do business with another former chairman Dave Reynolds.

Meanwhile, Youngjohns has called for a quick resolution to the infighting that is damaging the club.

"It's in everybody's interests that this is resolved in a conciliatory fashion as soon as possible," said Youngjohns, who fears it could be the June 7 annual general meeting before the club's ownership is decided.

"All this in-fighting is no good for anybody other than our rivals, particularly those who are envious of the progress we have made and want to see us in trouble."

Lee Jenkins has been linked with a move to Redditch, while Billy Jones is in talks with Exeter following their release from the club.