Baker rejects Harriers contract.

Kidderminster Harriers have confirmed full back Lee Baker has rejected the offer of a new contract at Aggborough.The Harriers assistant manager Gary Whild said there was a two-year deal on the table but Baker had informed them he would not be taking it up.

"We were hoping Lee would stay but we have had contact with him and he said he has had a good offer elsewhere.

"We don't know where but he is pretty chuffed he has had a good offer so unfortunately we can't keep him."

The former West Bromwich Albion player was a key figure for Harriers last season and Whild told BBC Hereford and Worcester manager Steve Burr had worked hard to try and keep him at the club.

"I know Steve thought highly of him and that was obviously reflected in the deal on offer," he said.

"There was a possible two-year deal there for him and that illustrated how highly we thought of him," he added.

While Baker might be moving on Whild said he and Steve Burr were delighted to have finalised one-year deals with three of the club's rising stars.

Centre-back Tom Sharpe and midfielders Kyle Hadley and Nathan Hayward have all agreed terms after breaking through last season.

There was a possible two-year deal there for him and that illustrated how highly we thought of him

Harriers assistant manager Gary Whild

Whild believes the trio have bright futures and is looking forward to working with them next season.

"It is good to get those three lads on board," he continued.

"Tom was more involved last season than the other two but it is an opportunity for them to prove their worth going forward."

Sharpe made 16 appearances for Harriers last season and Whild said they are looking to pair him with an experienced defender in order to continue his development.

"He has got a good pedigree although he is at a young age so is still learning," added Whild.

"But we have got high hopes for him and hopefully we can bring in someone to help him along the way."

Harriers have also confirmed Martin Riley is likely to be the target of other clubs although he has been offered a new deal.

Transfer-listed striker Robbie Matthews has reportedly been in talks with Gateshead but Gary Whild admits he is not aware if those talks have advanced beyond an initial enquiry stage.

Source: BBC Sport