Football: LIONEL'S BRIT PLEA.

Byline: LEE McLAUGHLAN

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers' former chairman Lionel Newton has called on the current board to back or sack manager Ian Britton as his concerns grow for the club.

Rumours were rife last night that former boss Jan Molby is being lined up to replace Britton after Harriers' recent slump.

Newton, who still has a 75 per cent stake in the club but stepped down as chairman and director 18 months ago, fears that unless a decision is made soon, Harriers are facing relegation to the Conference after four seasons as League club.

The Aggborough outfit have won just once in 13 games, have the second lowest crowds in the league and operate on the smallest budget in the country. All of this spells disaster for Harriers.

'I am very concerned by the current situation and the ways things are going,' said Newton, who attended yesterday's match against highflying Swansea.

'Things have to be addressed and sooner rather than later. Things can't continue the way they are because by Christmas it could be too late.

'The board have got to make a serious decision on whether to replace the manager or go out and get him some investment. I don't want to see all the hard work that was put into getting the club into the Football League go down the drain.'

Newton, who put his entire shareholding up for sale and has ploughed in millions during a seven-year stint, has restated his willingness to sell the club for only pounds 1 provided at least pounds 300,000 is invested in it. He is also willing to write off more than pounds 500,000 of debt owed to him by the club.

'I don't want the money, I just want to see the club in the hands of someone who is willing to invest in the club,' he said.