CHAIRMAN Mark Serrell has heralded manager Steve Burr (left) and assistant Gary Whild for giving Kidderminster Harriers a big chance of promotion.

With three games left, starting against Lincoln City at Aggborough today (3pm), Harriers remain in contention for the Blue Square Bet Premier title.

They were boosted after Mansfield Town lost 2-1 at Wrexham to leave the Stags a point behind with two games in hand. Harriers are guaranteed a play-off place.

Given the club failed to win in their opening 10 league matches this season, the turnaround has been incredible.

Serrell stuck by his management team when results were not going their way and has seen them reward the club with 22 wins from the last 26 league matches.

The Kidderminster chief said: “Steve and Gary have done a brilliant job. If you look at our budget compared to the sides in the top 10, it is not comparable — Forest Green, Wrexham, Newport, Mansfield and Luton all have bigger ones.

“Ours is the ninth or 10th biggest in the league and that is after we’ve added to the squad in January.

“It illustrates what a fantastic achievement it is to make the play-offs and a testament of Steve and Gary’s hard work.

“Even after our bad start, they kept faith with the players who have repaid them.”

The first legs of the play-offs are on Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 24, with the returns on Sunday, April 28, ahead of the final at Wembley on Sunday, May 5.