DIRECTORS at Kidderminster Harriers will be taking steps to turn around the club's poor financial performances off the field.

While manager Jan Molby has got the players performing well at Aggborough, things are not so rosy off it as the club announced a trading loss after taxation of £277,328 for the year ended May 31, 1999.

Details of the deficit will be officially presented to shareholders at their annual meeting to be held in the Aggborough executive suite on Thursday, March 9 (6.30).

Kidderminster's company secretary and director Richard Painter says: "The directors are unhappy with the performance of the company for the year which reflected the playing performances, but are taking steps to improve the financial position by further investment."

Harriers' latest loss follows the £209,676 trading deficit they suffered the previous 12 months.

The Nationwide Conference club's turnover increased from £647,812 in 1998 to £759,868 in 1999 while administrative expenses rose from £834,437 to £1,020,134.

In a bid to boost their financial fortunes Kidderminster have just appointed Worcester-born Neil Morris as their new chief executive.

And he also has plans to rectify the financial situation.

Morris said: "In line with most football clubs we need to look at ways to balance the books with good commercial revenue funding the high cost of players wages.

"We need to improve local corporate sponsorship without forgetting the fans behind the goal."

Bewdley millionaire and club chairman Lionel Newton said the new chief executive would be looking to make the club more competitive.

"There are no jobs for the boys at this club any more, what we want is a professional outfit which can stand on its own feet," Newton said.