The Pies have it, say Harriers fans (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

The Pies have it, say Harriers fans

1:00pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News

KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fans have described a national survey which branded the pies at Aggborough as the most expensive in the country as half-baked.

The BBC’s Price of Football 2012 study revealed Harriers’ cottage and cheese and onion pies, which cost £4, are more expensive than those at top flight teams Arsenal and Fulham.

But Harriers catering magnate Brian Murdoch, who is currently in his 51st season providing food for hungry supporters at the club, has found the accusation hard to stomach and hit back, saying the mammoth 700g meals cannot be compared to a pedestrian Pukka pie.

Harriers’ pies boast fans such as Derby County boss Nigel Clough and BBC Midlands Today presenter Ian Winter who, Mr Murdoch claims, are more than hap-pie to tuck in.

“The support for the pies has been wonderful – I don’t think I have heard any complaints,” said Mr Murdoch. “You can look at the price but that’s not the full story.

“They’re not encased in pastry – they’re more like a shepherd’s or cottage pie and are a tasty and filling meal in itself. Normal pies do not compare.

“When Nigel Clough was manager of Burton Albion he always used to order them for his squad after games and Ian Winter always gets two when he’s at a game.”

Reds fans have also sunk their teeth into the football food debate on The Shuttle’s facebook page, with the majority supporting the matchday fare.

Former Shuttle sports editor Mat Kendrick has also defended the controversial pies.

He still makes regular pilgrimages to Aggborough, despite sampling the tastiest press hospitality in the country while covering Aston Villa for a regional daily newspaper.

“Even if you’ve watched a 0-0 draw on a chilly Tuesday night, a filling and tasty meal like that will always bring you back for more,” said Mr Kendrick. “I’ve scoffed a lot of pies during my time as a journalist. Manchester City and Arsenal always treat the press very well but I would rather be tucking into one of Harriers’ mighty pies.”

Mr Murdoch has revealed he is currently looking to extend his menu and is working on a traditional pastry pie.

He added: “I’ve been on Hereford and Worcester, BBC Radio London and Talk Sport.

“The away fans particularly love the pies and I am expecting an increase in sales with all this national coverage.”

What the fans said on Facebook

Warren Davies posted on the Shuttle facebook page:  “To be fair they are massive. Home made cottage pie, more like a meal. Took me about half an hour to eat one last time I was there. It’s £3.10 for a Pukka balti pie at the Villa.”
Rob Hart: “Completely incomparable to a Pukka pie that’s £3.50 at most prem grounds.”
Adam Jay Matthews: “Agree with Rob and Warren, it’s like a meal..!”
Steve Bird: “No other ground offers anything similar. Yes, other grounds may be cheaper but not as nice or big.”
Off Side Meese: “Let’s look at the bigger picture: the prices that they charge are scandalous on all items that they sell. Do the Harriers get a cut or is Mr Murdoch having the lot?”