Kiderminster Harriers and rivals to share a £10m boost
Kidderminster Harriers have received a huge boost after the government agreed to provide the National League with a £10million bailout package which will allow the season to kick-off as scheduled today.
The league confirmed last night it had received confirmation of a ‘significant financial grant-aid support’ after more than a week of talks.
It is understood the total package will total £10m and is designed to cover the first three months of the campaign up until the New Year.
The situation will then be reviewed, with the hope spectators will be able to return to matches at some point during the season.
Clubs already feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus pandemic had been thrown into further turmoil when plans to allow fans back into stadiums were postponed last month.
Though clubs were last night still waiting to discover what proportion of the funds they will each receive, confirmation of the bailout agreement means the season can start as planned.
Harriers, who play in National League North, begin their campaign with an FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Alvechurch.
Boss Russ Penn could name two new faces in his starting line-up after yesterday securing the signings of goalkeeper Luke Simpson and defender Max Taylor. The latter has joined on loan from Manchester United, while former Leicester and Watford keeper Simpson agreed to sign after a successful trial.
“The gaffer got in touch and after that it was a no-brainer, I was pushing it all the way,” said Simpson, who played in last weekend’s friendly with Stockport County.
“We have a lot of mutual friends and I know he is a winner. I am the same.”
