Exclusive by Mat Kendrick

BERMUDA-based backer Gordon Howard has revealed that the enthusiasm of Kidderminster Harriers president Colin Youngjohns convinced him to invest some of his personal fortune into the club.

In an exclusive interview with the Shuttle/Times & News, the new Harriers director told of his excitement at joining the Harriers board and said he was determined to help restore the club to its former glories.

Howard also revealed that he came close to taking over Birmingham City as part of a consortium in the early 1990s.

Speaking from his home in Bermuda, the wealthy investment banker, who has family in Kinver, promised he would be back for Kidderminster's curtain-raiser at home to Woking on August 13.

"I'm looking forward to the first game and I will definitely be home for that," said Howard.

"I'm not sure how often I will be able to come over for games and board meetings but I try to get back to see my mother and my sisters quite frequently.

"That's how I first became a fan of the Harriers in the first place. Whenever I came back to visit my family I would go to Aggborough to see Harriers play."

During his occasional visits, Howard became acquainted with Youngjohns, who stood down as chairman and was made club president last week.

"Whenever I've met Colin Youngjohns I have always been very impressed with his enthusiasm for the club.

"I remember the ground how it used to be. When if it started raining, even if you were standing under cover, you would still get wet!

"What they've done to the place is amazing."

Howard, who has played and coached football at an amateur level, is determined to play his part in helping Harriers get back to the Football League.

He said: "I've been over three times during the summer to sort things out. I've spoken to a number of supporters as well as Colin and other senior people and the feeling was that the situation dragged on too long.

"I'm convinced now that everything has settled down, we can get the club back to where it belongs."

Howard revealed that he was interested in buying Birmingham from the Kumars -- just before David Sullivan and the Gold brothers took over at St Andrews.

"A few years ago when Birmingham were owned by an Indian family I came very close to buying the club," he said.

"In the end I was too involved with all of my business interests and couldn't give it enough time."

Howard added that his involvement with Harriers could lead to the tantalising prospect of the club touring Bermuda in the future.

Meanwhile, Stuart Watkiss's squad for their crack at promotion from the Conference is beginning to take shape.

Former Boston striker Lee Thompson was snapped up after a successful trial period last week. He and Gareth Sheldon are set to play 90 minutes in tonight's (Thursday) friendly at Rushall Olympic to boost their fitness.

Also taking part in the match against the manager's former club, with a view to signing for Harriers, is Scunthorpe midfielder Wayne Graves.

Smethwick-based winger Jermaine Hollis, who was in the Harriers youth team last season, has given up a job in Nottingham to sign a pro-contract.

Former Nottingham Forest academy centre half/full back Gavin Hurran, who lives in Dudley , has also earned a deal.

Stourbridge-based Russ Penn, a right-sided midfielder has also impressed enough to join the senior squad, taking the number of players to 19.

Watkiss is still desperate for another striker but finds himself being continually out-bid by rival clubs.

Harriers host Bristol Rovers at Aggborough on Saturday before rounding off their pre-season programme with a trip to Hinckley on Saturday, August 6.