York City striker set for Kidderminster Harriers switch (From York Press)

York City striker Jamie Reed set for Kidderminster Harriers switch

10:06am Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Dave Flett, Sports reporter

JAMIE Reed is set to leave York City for Kidderminster Harriers with the two clubs having agreed a fee for his services.

The striker did not feature in City’s 1-1 draw at Gillingham on Saturday due to illness and could have played his last game for the Bootham Crescent club, with the deal due to be completed before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Reed would be dropping down a division to aid the Harriers’ promotion push but has admitted to The Press previously that he would be prepared to ply his trade back in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

On Reed’s situation, Mills said: “He is having talks with Kidderminster because they have come in for him and we’ve agreed a fee.

“Reedy wants to go because he doesn’t want to be a substitute but, for me, that’s been his strength and it’s made him popular at this football club.

“If he goes, I will wish him all the best and he will leave having been a major part in helping us get to the point where we are playing teams like Gillingham.

“But you have to move on and make major decisions that might not be popular. We sold Andre Boucaud to one of our rivals in Luton but that worked out right.”

City led high-flying Gillingham through Paddy McLaughlin’s first-half goal, direct from a corner, until the 85th minute when home substitute Cody McDonald headed in an equaliser.

The draw was 15th-placed City’s 13th from 29 npower League Two fixtures this term but only top-two Port Vale and Gillingham, as well as play-off contenders Fleetwood, have lost fewer matches.

And, following their latest point on Saturday, Mills was confident that his team can start turning the draws into wins, saying: “We are disappointed with a draw and know we’ve got to put a run of wins together to help us climb the table but, if we play like that, it will come.

“It was one of our best displays this season for a lot of reasons and, if we can perform like that consistently, we will win two or three games on the bounce. We go out every game to win and showed that at Gillingham.

“We nearly pulled it off but one goal is never enough. No matter how badly the opposition might be playing, there’s always a chance they might get an equaliser.”

The City boss was also delighted by his team’s performance against a club big in stature as well as in height on the pitch.

He added: “I thought my players were fantastic from start to finish and told them that about 15 times afterwards. I had nothing but praise for them because Gillingham is a difficult place to come but we worked hard.

“Twelve months ago, we were nowhere near coming to Gillingham. They are a big club with a big budget but we’ve gone there and been the better side.

“You know you are going to have to defend long throws and balls going into the box early against them but we dealt with that well, as we have done all season. Then, when we had the ball, we passed it how I like.

“We’re not the biggest team in the world but we can stand up for ourselves and won’t be bullied. That’s not a major part of our game, but you have to compete first and then play your game second.”

The visitors almost doubled their lead when captain Chris Smith hit a post just before the hour and, after McDonald’s leveller, Mills also felt his team should have had a penalty late on when Matty Blair appeared to be shoved by Joe Martin in front of goal.

“We were unlucky not to get a penalty when Blairy got shoved but the ref decided not to give it,” Mills lamented.

“I know Michael Ingham pulled off a couple of saves, including a superb one in the first half, but we also had other chances and Smudge hit the post.

“We showed we are a tough side to beat again and showed what we are capable of this season. I thought we were going to hold out but it was not to be.

“Then, in the seven minutes of injury time, we kept going and possibly had the best chance to go on and win the game.”

Mills laughed off any suggestions, however, that McLaughlin’s 17th-minute goal, helped over the line by home ’keeper Stuart Nelson from a right-wing flag kick, had been intentional.

“If he did mean it, that that’s the first time he’s tried to do it but you take whatever comes your way,” the City boss smiled. “He mishit another couple in the second half and the same nearly happened.

“When you mishit a shot then nine times out of ten you score but, if you hit it right, the ’keeper generally saves them.”