On the up but not out of the woods yet

The Aggborough outfit have made severe cutbacks during the close season after ending last term in 16th place, their worst Football Conference finish in 17 years.

Recently-appointed chairman Rod Brown, pictured, joined the board as vice-chairman in March and took over the top position when Ken Rae quit along with two other directors.

Brown said: "We're in a situation where we're a lot more comfortable financially. However, we're not out of the woods yet and haven't kicked a ball in earnest."

Former Stourport Swifts, Redditch United and Bromsgrove Rovers manager Brown reckons the club’s financial state was “dire” when he arrived but has improved dramatically over the close season thanks to their commercial department enjoying their best return in years in the build-up to the new season.

Harriers manager Gary Whild has also put together a competitive squad despite his squad being cut in half according to Brown who added: "We had to be very radical as far as the budget's concerned. We're not looking to be a top-six side - I'd take fifth from bottom now - but we want to try and entertain."

Whild is now calling on supporters to back his side when they kick off their new campaign on Saturday against Grimsby Town, one of the Vanarama National League's title favourites.

The manager said: “There’s a great deal of positivity about the club at the moment and things are becoming much more upbeat. Grimsby are likely to arrive at Aggborough with a big following – and that’s where we need our supporters to come and back the lads.”

* Harriers are set to take over a local car park used by supporters on match days. Officials announced on Wednesday that an agreement in principle has been reached with Wyre Forest District Council over the use of the Stadium Close car park near Aggborough.

Rumours had been circulating among fans that the council was about to slap charges on the 150-space car park. But parking will still be free this weekend and in the immediate short term. However, Harriers chairman Brown has said that the club itself might introduce charges at a later date if the takeover goes ahead in order to plough the funds raised back into the club.