KIDDERMINSTER Harriers manager Jan Molby described last night's civic reception for his Nationwide Conference title winners as "one of the proudest moments of my life."

The former Liverpool and Denmark star was speaking after 5,000 fans gathered outside Kidderminster Town Hall to salute their heroes who were celebrating the biggest achievement in the club's 114-year history.

Following an open-top bus tour through the town, the players paraded the championship trophy from the Town Hall balcony where the loudest cheer from Harriers' flag-waving red and white army was reserved for triumphant Molby.

During the reception Molby, after one season in charge at Aggborough, said: "I thought I had a massive job on my hands, but I quickly realised that was not the case. The club was professionally run and all I had to do was to make some adjustments to the playing staff. It's nights like this that drive you on in football."

Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Councillor John Gordon said: "Some people wanted to criticise this occasion but I defend it. From a marketing point of view we couldn't buy this type of good publicity, goodwill and attention. You ask how much League football means to Chester and Shrewsbury."

Kidderminster, who replace Chester in the Third Division, won the Conference title by nine points from Rushden.

Coun Gordon praised ex-manager Graham Allner and former chairman David Reynolds for their tremendous efforts over the years and described Molby's appointment as "inspirational."

"Getting out of the Conference is one of the most difficult things in football," he said, adding that this season's success was "more sweet" following the disappointment of being denied access to the Football League six years ago because the Aggborough ground was not up to standard.

Coun Gordon said that Wyre Forest District Council was doing everything it could to help Harriers in their preparations for Third Division football next season.

"This is good for the Kidderminster fans and the whole of Worcestershire," he said.

Harriers' millionaire chairman Lionel Newton said: "Obviously I'm very proud. It has taken 114 years to achieve. In 1994 we were robbed of promotion and myself, and the previous chairman as well, have spent £1.2 million at Aggborough to date in those five years and I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Newton said that Kidderminster had received congratulations from all over the world for their title glory and believed the club have a manager in Molby who can take Harriers further forward.