THE expected summer exit of players began this week as Kidderminster Harriers moved to reduce their squad for next season.

But one major surprise was the release of popular defender and club captain Ian Clarkson who had been assisting caretaker boss Ian Britton and taking training in recent weeks.

Britton, given the task of deciding the future of out-of-contract players, also axed young players Ben Davies and Peter Faulds along with Tony Bird and trialist Michael Keegan.

He has made undisclosed offers to teenage keeper John Danby, left-back Scott Stamps, midfielder Richie Appleby and striker Ian Foster which are being considered.

Britton said: "It's all down to finances.

"Ian's obviously disappointed but he told me he intends to carry on playing.

"I will try and help the other players get fixed up with clubs because I think they're good enough to earn money from the game."

The unsettled Bird, 27, had been looking for a new club anyway and Faulds, 19, struggled to break into the first team.

But promising midfielder Davies was perhaps another shock exit after impressive early-season displays in Harriers' poor spell.

Britton showed he would take no prisoners by releasing the 20-year-old alongside experienced former Birmingham City right-back Clarkson who was one of the higher earners.

The Conference winner, known to be keen to work more in the media, only joined Harriers in the Football League when an insurance pay-out was returned.

Clarkson, 31, had initially retired from the professional game after breaking his leg playing for Northampton Town.

Keegan, released by Swansea, had been trying to make an impression at Aggborough on trial but had little chance of a deal with the cut-backs at cash-strapped Harriers.

Bird, often used in midfield rather than his preferred attacking role, scored 10 goals from 38 starts at Harriers, making less of an impact than expected.

He has had an offer to join League of Ireland club St Patrick's in Dublin.

Gritty midfielder Faulds, a free transfer from Northampton Town, did well in the reserves along with Davies but failed to make his league debut.