STUART Watkiss has hinted that his first anniversary in the Harriers hot-seat could also be his last as he comes under increasing fire at Aggborough.

Describing his first 12 months in charge as a "rollercoaster", Watkiss admits highlights have been few and far between during his Aggborough tenure.

While he refuses to hide behind Kidderminster's off-the-field problems, the former Mansfield manager has had to contend with more upheaval than any boss in the club's history.

He says that nothing surprises him when he walks through the Aggborough doors each morning and reveals that this job has stretched his love of the game to the absolute limit.

Unlike Jan Molby, Watkiss does not reside on millionaires row and despite the hassle at Harriers, the former Wolverhampton postie needs the money that comes with coaching Kidderminster.

"Without a doubt, I think it's been the most exhausting year I've ever had, mentally," revealed Watkiss during a break in his preparations for Saturday's clash with Dagenham.

"Nothing has even come close to it, it's incredible. We were at the very bottom of League Two when I came and I didn't quite realise how serious the situation was until I got here.

"I can honestly say that when I look back on last season, I think we improved a lot over the six months or whatever, obviously just not enough as we were still relegated.

"It was a massive, massive blow for the whole club and obviously a very big disappointment for me personally."

Watkiss's contract expires next summer and with the club living day to day rather than operating to a medium or long term plan, he is not expecting discussions about an extension any time soon.

And although he would love to prolong his stay at Harriers and help get the club upwardly mobile again he admits any decision over his future is out of his hands.

Privately he fears that he will not last the season - and that's the forthcoming festive season, rather than the current Conference campaign as a whole.

A run of inconsistent results have led to unrest among fans, while his public criticism of the board has not exactly endeared him with some of the club's directors.

"Obviously I would like to remain here if the choice was mine, I'd certainly like to still be here next season," he said.

"We've done well in the LDV Trophy so far this season but I think we could do with a couple of good cup runs, and of course a change of fortunes in our league season."

Watkiss insists he does not regret taking on the Harriers job following Molby's resignation a year ago and subscribes to the old agage 'What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.'

"In the long run, overall I'd say yes, I am glad I took the job," he said after a few moments contemplation.

"Obviously I'd be lying if I sat here and told you that I'd always thought that at every second of every minute of the year I've been here, but I'd like to think that's perfectly normal for a football manager.

"You can't really argue with the facts that last season we were relegated and we've also made a poor start to this campaign, but I still think I'm better for the experience. I've learned a hell of a lot."

The former Walsall defender regularly works 50-plus hour weeks and concedes the job has had an effect on his personal life, leading to a temporary split with his partner which has now been resolved.

Although he occasionally casts a jealous glance at those working routine 9-5 days, he still appreciates that he is fortunate to be involved in football.

"Allowing for the disappointments of the past year, I can still, without a shadow of a doubt, look anyone in the eye and say, hand on heart, I've done my best personally in terms of effort and commitment," he said.

"Results wise, people will argue with that and say it's still not good enough, and in terms of results, they are right, but I still know I've given it my all.

"Sometimes I envy those who can go home at five at night and just switch off."

Watkiss thanked the fans, in general, for continuing to support him, but admitted certain sections of the diminishing Aggborough crowd were well within their rights to call for his head.

"I'd have to agree that the hardcore support has stuck with us through thick and thin and has backed both myself and the team when we've needed them the most," he said.

"They were there all the way with us last season so obviously they've been let down, and we're not currently doing enough in terms of results to repay them at the moment.

"In that sense, some of the criticism we have received has been justified and I cannot argue with it, I'd just like to thank the Kidderminster fans for sticking with us and I'd urge them to continue to do so."

WATKISS'S HARRIERS RECORD SO FAR: League/Conference: Played 46: won 12, lost 24, drew 10;

FA Cup: Played 1: lost 1; LDV: Played 2: won 2. Overall goal difference: scored 53, conceded 77, minus 24.