Bonus rumpus threatens to overshadow Harriers' big FA Cup day out at Sunderland
Kidderminster Harriers' dream FA Cup clash against Sunderland on Saturday has been marred by a row over players' bonuses.
The squad are incensed that the run — which is believed to have netted the Skrill Premier club more than £600,000 — has not earned them any serious reward.
Players have received just £500 — their bonus for beating League One Peterborough in round three.
No reward: Kidderminster Harriers' players, seen here congratulating former colleague Joe Lolley on scoring the winner against Peterborough, are not happy about not getting any bonus payments during the FA Cup run
Far from ideal: Harriers boss Andy Thorn has had his preparation for the FA Cup match with Sunderland marred by a row over bonus payments
Matters came to a head before Tuesday's game against Dartford when chairman Mark Serrel was harangued by a few of the squad.
However, Serrel told them they would not receive an extra penny for playing the fourth-round tie at the Stadium of Light but would make £1,000 a man only if they beat Gus Poyet's side.
Kidderminster's players are paid between £500 and £1,000 a week. Normal FA Cup practice is for payments to be scheduled depending on which round the club reach in a format agreed before the season.
We've done it: Harriers' Kyle Storer celebrates securing a place in the FA Cup fourth round after beating Peterborough
A source said: ‘The players are furious. The club have banked £250,000 from the sale of Joe Lolley to Huddersfield, Buy Bing Ads VCC so it's hardly as if they can plead poverty.'
Serrel said: ‘There is no bonus structure. It's still a matter for negotiation. We did have one at the start of the season, but I'm not commenting further on matters that should be kept internal.'
Nothing to say: Harriers chairman Mark Serrell, seen here with his wife Ruth after the Peterborough win, said he will not be commenting on the bonus row