FOOTBALL Conference chief Dennis Strudwick has not given up hope of finding a new title sponsor as clubs feel the financial impact.

Kidderminster Harriers and their league rivals are each set to suffer a £20,000 cash blow if a replacement for on-line betting firm Blue Square Bet is not found.

But with the 2013-14 season set to start on Saturday, August 10 the noise coming from the Conference is ominously quiet.

But Strudwick is confident the league as a product is an enticing one to potential sponsors.

He said: “We have set the bait and there have been several interested parties who have shown an interest.

“At the moment there is nothing to report but we remain confident of finding a new sponsor.

“The Football Conference is a great product. Setanta used to call the league the jewel in their crown.

“We’re not the only league in this position, it is a sign of the times.”

Of all the clubs in the Premier, Harriers look capable of absorbing the financial setback after the sale of Jamille Matt to League Two side Fleetwood Town for a reported £300,000 and two sell-out crowds at the end of last season, which boosted their coffers.

Strudwick is also hoping the new television deal with BT Sport will help attract potential main sponsors.

Currently it’s unclear how much clubs will receive for playing in a televised match.

Strudwick added: “We do have other commercial partners but most of the money clubs receive from us is provided by the title sponsors.

“I am sure the deal with BT Sport will attract a lot of attention. We will be sitting down with BT to work out how much teams will get.”