RECORD losses for Kidderminster Harriers in their Conference-winning season have brought a fresh appeal for more fans from ambitious chief Lionel Newton.

Harriers revealed a loss of £416,457 for the financial year ending last May but chairman Mr Newton predicts a better result for their first season in the Football League.

The club, which also lost £277,328 the previous season, have blamed wage bill increases and contract settlements for players handed free transfers for the record deficit.

But there has been a commercial boom in the current campaign with advertising boards and executive boxes sold out along with 98 per cent of restaurant packages.

Mr Newton set a budget, which he admits he has had to exceed by some distance to fund new signings, for gates up to 3,500 and he is calling for district folk to help meet that figure.

He admitted: "I'm afraid this has been the price of success. Kidderminster wanted league football but there's been a price to pay.

"If people want a Football League club in this town they have to support it. If they don't, it will be the town's and community's responsibility.

"We cannot run this club in the Football League with Conference attendances."