MANAGER Stuart Watkiss was today sacked by Kidderminster Harriers after picking up their first Conference win in nearly two months.

Harriers beat Dagenham and Redbridge 3-1 on Saturday but it was not enough for the club's board of directors who have appointed player-coach Martin O'Connor as caretaker-manager.

Watkiss oversaw a turbulent year for the cash-strapped Aggborough side after being appointed on December 1, 2004, with the team already hot favourites for relegation following a poor start under Jan Molby.

Despite some promising moments, the former Mansfield boss was unable to prevent Harriers' drop back to the Conference and then saw his summer team-building delayed severely by a lengthy board take-over.

They have stumbled to 15th in the league and missed out on vital FA Cup cash with a dismal fourth qualifying round defeat at Southport in October.

Although Harriers gave handy LDV Vans Trophy beatings to Darlington and Boston United, their last league win before the weekend was over Morecambe on October 8.

A statement from the board, led by chairman Barry Norgrove, read: "We would like to thank Stuart Watkiss for his efforts during the difficult and extremely traumatic period while he has been at Aggborough.

"However, it is felt that the club would benefit from a change in direction in football team matters. With this in mind, Stuart's contract has been terminated. Martin O'Connor will take over as caretaker-manager for the immediate future."

Watkiss' competitive record peaked when they went six games unbeaten last season from February 22 until his former club Mansfield signalled their fate with a cruel 3-1 victory at Aggborough on March 28.

He managed 15 wins, 10 draws and 25 defeats from 50 games with 55 goals scored and 78 conceded. His contract was due to end next summer.

Harriers will be advertising the position and hope to make an appointment by the end of December to give the manager time to wheel and deal in the January transfer window.