KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have submitted a proposal to Wyre Forest District Council to build a new stadium, training complex and educational facilities.

The proposed new site is at the club's current Centre of Sporting Excellence, in Zortech Avenue, which is also home to their Football Academy and training base for the first team.

FORMER Shuttle sports editor Pete McKinney, who covered Harriers for nearly 10 years, has given his thoughts on the club's ambitious plans to build a new stadium away from Aggborough.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Artists impressions for the plans for the new Kidderminster Harriers stadium development

PROPOSALS have been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council for Kidderminster Harriers Football Club's stadium development - which would also include a training complex and educational facilities.

The proposed new site is at the club's current Centre of Sporting Excellence, in Zortech Avenue, which is also home to their Football Academy and training base for the first team.

DO supporters have grounds for concern after Kidderminster Harriers announced plans to move away from Aggborough? From a quick glimpse on social media it’s clear the revelation to leave Kiddy’s spiritual home for the last 130 years has split supporters. Many of the faithful are excited by the club’s bold plans while others feel an understandable emotional connection.

In this piece I will analyse why Harriers have decided that moving home could lay the foundations for the future. Let’s look at what has been announced so far: The club has revealed it has submitted plans to Wyre Forest District Council for a new stadium which will be based at the Centre of Sporting Excellence on Zortech Avenue, which is part of Birmingham Metropolitan College. Harriers already train at the former Brinton’s Chainwire site, which has been massively upgraded, and have reaped the benefits. In the process, they have built a strong relationship with BMet, working closely on the Academy. Meanwhile, ambitious plans to build a free school as well as promises to provide community facilities and boost employment make the announcement appear an attractive prospect.

Why are Harriers relocating? Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC), under pressure to build new houses from the Government, are understandably keen to redevelop Kiddy’s Hoo Road home, which is in the middle of a housing estate and in a prime location near the town centre. However, a covenant has placed an obligation on WFDC to provide a replacement home for Harriers if they decided to redevelop the land. With 28-years left on their lease, Kiddy were left in a strong position to negotiate. While details about who is paying what and how much will be spent are not released yet, this is an opportunity to have a new stadium built for either nothing or for peanuts.

But the biggest motivating factor for Harriers is trying to find a steady stream of money that will help sustain the club. After at least two major financial crises since 2005, Kiddy have learned the hard way they cannot sustain a competitive playing budget on gate receipts and player sales alone. Even during the halcyon days of Steve Burr, where they averaged 2,000 attendances, sold players for six-figure fees, enjoyed capacity crowds and had an FA Cup run, the Reds were crippled by high wages and long contracts that proved unsustainable.

Enter former football agent Colin Gordon, who ploughed £100,000 of his own money into the club and provided much-needed financial stability. Colin is driven by his vision of a club able to pay for itself and often expressed his admiration for Walsall as the model he wants Harriers to follow. Where does the cash come from? The owner believes that the regular use of the community pitches next to the new stadium will provide the finances which can be ploughed back into the club’s playing budget.

Conversely, the move also raises a host of questions and concerns. Aggborough is perfectly placed in the centre of the town next to public transport links and a move to the outskirts will have an impact; will the club provide transportation for Reds fans unable to get to the new stadium? What will be the psychological impact moving from a ground packed with many wonderful memories to a new stadium? How will the move impact attendances? Will the new ground meet the criteria for the Football League, which despite Harriers’ relegation to the National North in 2016, remains the Holy Grail for supporters. What will the capacity of the stadium be? At this early stage, there are more questions than answers. What is undoubtedly clear is that Harriers’ hierarchy have a plan or the future. Only time will tell if it's the right one.