KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Stuart Watkiss has called for a fans' forum to mark his first anniversary at Aggborough, writes Mat Kendrick.

The Harriers chief came in for criticism after failing to speak publicly following the disappointing 1-0 defeat at Burton Albion last weekend.

Six Conference games without a win has seen Harriers slip into the bottom third of the table, just four points above the relegation places, and Watkiss is under increasing pressure from the boardroom and the terraces.

But the 39-year-old manager insists he has nothing to hide and has invited fans to organise a public meeting to get everything out in the open.

"If the supporters want to organise a fans' forum anywhere in Kidderminster then I'm more than willing to come and answer their questions," he said.

"I will be happy to talk to them about tactics, team selection and any football matters that they want to discuss.

"I don't want to vet the questions in advance, I just want to be honest and get everything out in the open because I've got nothing to hide."

Watkiss revealed his reluctance to talk to the press last Saturday was because of his exasperation that the same Harriers line-up could follow their fine display at Boston with such a limp performance against Nigel Clough's Burton.

With Daryl Burgess picking up a red card and, like captain Mark Jackson, also totting up his fifth booking of the season last weekend, Harriers will be without their two first choice centre halves for Saturday's home clash with Dagenham and Redbridge.

Full-backs Johnny Mullins and Wayne Hatswell are set to deputise with Michael Blackwood reverting to left back and former Wolves trainee Patrick Flynn set to make his debut at right-back.

That could mean a switch to 4-3-3 with Terry Fleming joining Simon Heslop and Russ Penn in midfield and Lee Thompson getting a rare start alongside Iyseden Christie and Taiwo Atieno up front, with Marc Pugh dropping to the bench.

Harriers have been drawn at home to Conference rivals Scarborough on Saturday, December 17 in round one of the FA Trophy and against League One Bradford in the LDV Vans Trophy northern area quarter finals on Tuesday December 20.

Junior supporters are reminded that they must collect a voucher from the club reception in advanace of the Christmas party on Thursday, December 8.

A race night to raise funds for Harriers' first team and youth set-up will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, December 9. Tickets, including a chicken and chips supper, are £6.