JAN Molby has sensationally quit as Kidderminster Harriers director of football to end a turbulent second stint in charge.

The bottom-of-the-table Coca-Cola League Two club's directors reluctantly accepted the Liverpool legend's decision following Tuesday's 3-0 defeat at Chester City.

Former West Brom and Sunderland player Shaun Cunnington, the youth team boss, will take over as caretaker manager for Saturday's crucial home game with fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town, assisted by Gary Barnett.

Molby kept Harriers afloat in League Two last season after taking over from Ian Britton in October 2003 but has struggled to repeat the feat this time around.

And Harriers' board, who had only recently given Molby a contract until the end of the season, are now left looking for another man to fill the hot-seat.

Chairman Colin Youngjohns admitted it was a tough decision for Molby but one he accepted was in the best interests of both parties.

Youngjohns said: "Both Jan and ourselves are united in our disappointment at the league position the club currently finds itself in.

"Results haven't gone the way we would have hoped and Jan's task has been made all the more difficult by the horrendous injury problems we have suffered.

"The club needs a spark to re-ignite our season and Jan felt it would be best if someone else tried to do that.

"It was a difficult decision for him but we respect and understand his rational for this course of action."

Molby initially took over as manager in May 1999, leading Harriers to the Nationwide Conference title in his first campaign.

But he then left the club in March 2002 for an ill-fated move to Hull City.

Harriers have claimed just seven points from a possible 36 and scored only seven league goals in that time since starting off with three clean sheets in a row.

Youngjohns added his gratitude to Mol-by, stating: "First and foremost he was the guy responsible for making Kidderminster Harriers achieve its dream of playing in the Football League four years ago.

"People will talk with affection about Jan Molby for many years to come at Aggborough and rightfully so. Jan leaves the club with our sincere best wishes."

Youngjohns insisted Harriers will not be rushing into appointing a permanent replacement for Molby.