A NEW 2,040-seater stand at Aggborough has created plenty of summer interest but the challenge does not end there for Barry Norgrove.

Kidderminster Harriers' vice-chairman headed the crucial summer project which has kept the stadium within the Football League ground grading criteria.

But after the £1.1 million stand, which was largely funded by a £850,000 Football Stadia Improvement Fund, Mr Norgrove has now turned his attention towards the ground's floodlights.

They are waiting for confirmation of another grant for the £50,000 scheme which they want to complete in time for the clash with Scunthorpe on Tuesday, September 16,

The improvements will double the power of the lights and complete the stadium work - for the time being.

A housing developer whose family has been involved with the Harriers for many years, Mr Norgrove has been delighted with the feedback so far on the Jono Smith stand.

It was named after a lifelong Harriers fan who won a money-spinning raffle which boosted the club's coffers over the summer.

Mr Norgrove said: "It has created a lot of interest for this season and the season ticket sales are up as a result.

"We are really pleased with the new stand and to get it finished on time for pre-season was the main thing. There were a few extras needed but we didn't go too far over the budget provided for it.

"The good thing is it's all paid for. It will be inspected on August 13 by the Football Foundation and then we will get the rest of the cash grant that's outstanding.

"I'm hoping Brit and the players can do well on the pitch and with a good cup run we might be looking to fill the ground.

"Fans will not be able to stand in the corners of the ground at the moment but if necessary we have barriers from the old Cowshed that can be put in which could take the capacity up to 6,900."

Harriers have also hired Peter Smith from Wolverhampton Wanderers to take on safety officer duties after the departure of Peter Picken.

Chairman Colin Youngjohns is hoping to continue the progress made both on and off the pitch since he took over the hot seat.

With sell-on cash from the Lee Hughes transfer and compensation paid by Hull for former manager Jan Molby, Harriers cleared their debts with a £409,543 profit for the financial year ending May 2002.

The board expect a smaller profit from the last financial year and now any extra money raised can be ploughed into the team.

Most other Division Three clubs can generate more income but Youngjohns admitted: "I don't envy them and don't think about it as it will never be like that here.

"We're dealing with a pint pot, not a gallon drum, but it won't stop us competing with them.

"The advantage they have is sometimes things do need a tweak during the season and bigger clubs can find the extra money to do that.

"We won't jeopardise the future of this club but we shall still pursue everything with commitment and passion.

"It's our fourth season now in the Football League and it's never going to be easy for us. The ground and the club infrastructure is improving all the time though.

"The playing budget has been massaged slightly. We have a good squad of players and we're very encouraged by the lads we've signed. I'm optimistic it will work out well for us this season."