HARRIERS’ board of directors gave a sobering reality check on how the club will pay their way next season.

Chairman Ken Rae laid out in no uncertain terms Kidderminster will no longer spend more than they earn at the fans’ forum.

The club has endured a testing campaign, where they have relied on benefactors Kath and Ernie Lane to help pay the large wage bill.

Harriers made a loss of £260,000 last season and are set to make suffer another shortfall at the end of this season, despite selling their best players and leaking high earners.

But with almost all the squad out of contract this summer and the Lanes not prepared to put in the same level of backing, the Aggborough out fit starts with a clean slate.

Rae confirmed the club will remain full-time but the playing budget will be determined by season ticket sales and attendances.

But in a move to lower expectations, new board member Rod Brown said the aim is to remain in the Vanarama Conference rather than go for promotion.

The chairman wouldn’t be drawn on how much Whild will be able spend on players but it could be between £350,000 and £400,000.

Director Gino Ruffinato also stated in recent seasons the club had been spending one and a half times the cash it was earning, which it had funded by player sales and the backing of the Lanes.

He said: “Without the fans' support, Gary’s budget will be a lot less than we are proposing to give him. If fans don’t come it’s their choice, we need you, the club needs you and Gary’s budget needs you. That’s the harsh reality.

“We have to be realistic about the kind of players Gary will be able to attract.

“We will be remaining full-time, because we don’t want to be taking a backward step.

“It will be down to Gary’s skill, he has found many a gem from the lower levels of non-league football.”

There were also no details about when early-bird season tickets will go on sale, or prices. In fact, there was little in terms of incentive to attract supporters through the gates next season.

“We will get through until the end of the season and make sure we are not in this position again,” Rae added.

“Gary will have to work within the budget we give him but if we do have an increase in the gate, or have an FA Cup or Trophy run, that money will be given to Gary in January. If there was an outside possibility of securing a play-off spot and Gary said he wanted to bring in some players, we would allow him to do that.”