Harper welcomes Cup distraction

Harper was appointed Kettering player-boss almost two weeks ago

Kettering boss Lee Harper says their FA Cup clash with Leeds is a welcome distraction to their off-field worries.

The Poppies may have to look for a new ground as their lease at Rockingham Road runs out in three years and is unlikely to be renewed.

"It makes it difficult but that's the beauty of the FA Cup and what it does, that spark that it brings," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"If you can't get yourself up for a tie against Leeds then you have a problem."

He added: "Let's let the chairman deal with that [the off-field problems], the Cup game is a fantastic opportunity to put this situation up in lights as such.

"It's been an extremely difficult week with everything that's going on.

To see all your players rapidly leaving and others wanting to go as well has made it an extremely difficult week

Lee Harper

"Kettering's history is in danger and doubt. We've all got to try and highlight that but the players can't let that get into their heads."

Since taking over at Rockingham Road as player-boss from Cooper, Harper has lost his first two Blue Square Premier matches and has also picked up an injury himself.

And the goalkeeper has also had to deal with the departure of three players this week.

Striker Damian Spencer has joined Kidderminster, fellow forward Francis Green moved to Oxford and defender Exodus Geohaghon has linked up with former boss Mark Cooper at Peterborough.

"It's been tough with players moving out of the club like Franny Green one day after I 'd signed," he said.

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"He didn't want to upset me but things had gone on in the past and he couldn't commit himself to the club and he knew of Oxford's interest.

"But to see all your players rapidly leaving and others wanting to go as well has made it an extremely difficult week.

"We've got three fit defenders at the moment. The squad is severely depleted.

"It's up to me to make sure the lads have no fear inside them, that they go out and enjoy the day and don't be overawed by the occasion because although they're Leeds United they're only human beings.

"We've got to get about them and we certainly won't be going to just defend. We'll try and make it difficult for them."