Harriers find more ways to raise cash

Raising cash from lotteries and running a car park are part of Kidderminster Harriers' long-term survival plan.

The club - which was just hours from insolvency in February - has revealed its long-term future has been secured and they could be debt-free by August.

Fans group Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters Trust has generated £37,000 in recent weeks.

The club faced debts of £155,000 and a winding up order from the High Court for unpaid tax.

But supporters donated £26,000 in a two-week period - taking the trust's fund-raising total to £36,950 and helping the club survive.

KHIST raised £4,256 by holding three monthly lotteries at the Harriers Arms. It is estimated this could generate up to £23,000 over the course of a year.

But KHIST spokesman and new club board member Karl Davies warned the club must not "spend money it hasn't got" in future.

He said: "It's great news for everyone involved that the club can keep going and concentrate on the football from now on.

"But we must make sure the club never gets into this situation again and that we live by our means."

So far 270 season tickets have been sold for the next campaign under Project 1,000 - which aims to shift 1,000 tickets.

All money from these will go towards the playing budget for next season, according to Davies.

Harriers currently stand two points outside the play-offs in the Blue Square Premier and face a crucial away game at Eastbourne on Saturday.

The club missed a midday deadline in February to raise the £155,000 but a band of dedicated fans came forward at the last minute and, by 10pm that night, Harriers had earned a stay of execution.

Since then there have been hundreds of donations and nearly 3,000 supporters were attracted to two home games.

Plans are also being drawn up for the club to run the nearby Stadium Close car park for the next three to five years, which bosses hope could raise thousands.

The 100-space pay-and-display car park in Stadium Close is owned by Wyre Forest District Council.

It is used by Harriers supporters on matchdays, but the proceeds go to the council.