KIDDERMINSTER Harriers are breathing a collective sigh of relief after the protracted takeover deal to safeguard the club's future was finally completed.

Aggborough Holdings -- made up of Barry Norgrove, Neil Savery and Bermuda-based businessman Gordon Howard -- assumed control at Aggborough this week.

The contracts were signed and sealed on Tuesday evening despite an 11th hour breakdown in negotiations which threatened to scupper the deal.

Former owner Lionel Newton has relinquished his majority shareholding for £1 and written off his substantial loan to the club -- on the condition that the new group invests in Harriers.

They have agreed to plough in £300,000 straight away with two further payments of £50,000 at the end of this season and next.

A clause is believed to have been inserted into the paperwork, stating that ex-Harriers chairman Dave Reynolds -- a former boardroom foe of Newton -- must not be allowed back on the board.

Norgrove said he was relieved the deal had finally been done, adding: "After all of the toing and froing we never thought it was going to happen.

"The main thing is that Stuart Watkiss can finally get cracking and that we can try and prepare for the new season.

"It will be difficult to achieve what we want to achieve -- promotion back into the League -- but you never know. We've got to give it our best shot."

Norgrove revealed that, contrary to reports, wealthy backer Howard was still part of Aggborough Holdings, and was hoping to fly back for Saturday's friendly with Wolves at Aggborough.

"A short while ago we thought we might lose the club, but now we've got it I need to sit down with Gordon and Neil to discuss things like how the board will be made up," added Norgorve. He appealed for fans yet to buy season tickets to do so as soon as possible to boost club funds.

Meanwhile, Newton is looking forward to watching football at Aggborough as a fan, saying: "The heads of terms have been signed by both parties so it's done now.

"Even though I haven't been in charge for three and a half years there has been pressure on me because of my controlling interest.

"Now I have totally severed that so I wish the club all the best. I just want a bit of peace and to be left alone.

"I've got no axe to grind with any of the board, including Barry. There is no animosity, no vendetta. I just want to go (to matches) without politics and watch football."

Youth team coach Shaun Cunnington has quit to focus on his restaurant. Exeter winger Gareth Sheldon became Harriers' latest signing yesterday.

l Kidderminster Harriers Ladies are hoping to go from strength to strength by attracting new players. They have set their sights on the West Midlands League premier division title after narrowly missing out last term.

Anybody interested in joining Harriers Ladies can attend pre-season training at 11am on Sunday at Wilden Village Cricket Club. Tel 07761 322406.