CHAIRMAN Barry Norgrove believes that Kidderminster Harriers need new investors to plough more money into the club in order to boost their promotion hopes in the Blue Square Premier this season.

The chairman’s house building company, Norgrove Homes, is feeling the effects of the credit crunch which has ravaged the British economy and Norgrove is searching for new board members to bring in extra cash.

He is looking for groups or individuals to invest at least £50,000, which would pay for a place on the board, in order to help manager Mark Yates continue his squad strengthening.

“I cannot help the club as much as I would like to,” said Norgrove.

“I’m looking for investors to come onto the board, or to come into the club in some shape or form and help me.

“This year is the right time to get involved, because we are in a good position in the table.

“If I can get some new investors on the board we could do something and stay near the top of the league.”

Yates has built a robust squad on a small budget, which has propelled Harriers into the play-off mix, but the chairman has admitted that there is no cash in the club’s coffers until new investors are found.

Norgrove said: “I’m trying to do as much as I can for the club, but the credit crunch has hit hard and builders and developers are bearing the brunt of it.

“Obviously, being near the top of the league I would like us to strengthen.

“We brought in Neil MacKenzie, which cost us a bit extra, even though we loaned some players out.

“I’ve done a fair amount of paying out this season. We are over the budget and that’s the problem.

“I’d love to strengthen the side. There is no one more than me who would love to see us winning promotion this season, but I can’t quite afford it this year.”

With rising costs stinging Harriers, the worry for Norgrove is that without new investment the board might be forced to take drastic measures.

“All I can do is talk to the directors and see what steps we would have to take if we do not get new investment. We’d have to cut back or find some new money,” commented Norgrove.

“We’re in the black and we try to keep a tight rein on the players to maintain that.

“If people or organisations from outside want to get involved in football and help, as long as the club is run properly then I’d be happy.”