CHIEF executive Colin Gordon says education is key to increasing Kidderminster Harriers' turnover as he revealed his plans at the club's AGM.

The majority shareholder explained to shareholders his plan to increase the club's turnover in order to bolster their playing budget for the 2017-18 season.

A key part of his plan is their relationship with Birmingham Metropolitan College.

Gordon revealed they were close to announcing an agreement which will see Harriers receive a larger cut of the cash that the College obtains for each student from the Government.

He also said plans to set up a university in Kidderminster beginning in the 2017-18 campaign.

It would be similar to the UCFB scheme in Wembley and Burnley FC, which teaches courses specific to football including media and physiotherapy.

These plans represent a significant change to how the club funds itself and are part of a plan not to rely on season ticket sales or benefactors.

Gordon: “We have a very good relationship with Birmingham Metropolitan College but I want to expand that into higher education. I want to create a university of football in the town.

“I lectured at University College Football Business (UCFB) in London and looked at their model, it’s quite successful.

“Football is a huge industry now and we can be the hub of a very successful university because we can provide practical experience.

“There is no next level for kids when they hit 18 and we’ve got to be able to provide that and also for the other colleges in the area.

“The first thing we need to do is get a proper agreement with the current providers which we are finalising at the moment.”

Despite the club set to be relegated to the National North they have set a top six budget in a bid to bounce back with promotion next season.

Gordon stated that when they return to the Vanarama National League they must aim for the SkyBet Football League.

But to do that, he insists the club must increase their turnover to £2million in order to grow their playing budget to nearly £1million in the non-league top flight.

He said: “We need to build up the club’s turnover so that we can get our playing budget towards £1 million.

"To get out of the Vanarama National League that is what we’re going to have to do.

“We will have a year to work and develop the business of Kidderminster Harriers. The business has to sustain the club.

"What’s happened before is that we’ve relied on the odd player sale or an investor has backed the club and we get to a stage where we can’t afford it have a black hole of £300,000 that never gets filled.

“Going forward our budget for next season will be top six but we’ve got to spend the whole year driving the turnover up to £1.5 and then £2millon, so we can put more money in the playing budget.

“That is sustainable because we’re growing the business.

“Football is the only business I know and I will be doing everything I can to drive a sustainable football club that gets to the Football League.”

Shareholders were informed that plans to lease the council car park adjacent to ground for next season are close to being finalised with Wyre Forest District Council.

Next year’s home kit will also have a red back, rather than a white one, in a nod to a more traditional shirts.

Meanwhile, the chief executive said the deal for West Bromwich Albion under-21s to play at Aggborough will offset the loss of Worcester City.

City are believed to have paid £45,000 to play at Hoo Road this season.

The Baggies are set to pay a fee for each game at Harriers’ home, while the hosts will keep bar takings and gate receipts.

Albion will also assist groundsman Ade Ganderton in pitch maintenance.