CHAIRMAN Colin Youngjohns has warned that Kidderminster Harriers must act within strict financial budgets and not become part of the football's economic 'madhouse'.

He was speaking at a question and answer session which followed last night's brief annual meeting when Harriers shareholders were officially told of the club's £265,375 loss during their first season in the Football League.

Youngjohns stressed that Kidderminster were determined to implement strict financial constraints both on and off the pitch with one possible option being to dispense with one of the club teams.

He likened the money dealings in football as 'the economics of the madhouse' but believed Harriers background of being prudent would help them achieve their aims of continuing to compete in the Third Division and to operate properly within financial budgets.

Youngjohns said: "Our record probably over 25 years is one of extreme and spectacular success in running the club and winning competitions at a fraction of the money other clubs have spent."

He added that given time Kidderminster would adapt to life in the Football League.

"We were better than the non-league people and if we get the time to get ourselves back on track, then we'll take them to the cleaners the same as we did with the Altrinchams, Kingstonians and Wokings.

"We have got to go at it positively with the people we have got. In the halcyon days of the 1950s our best gate was 3,390 in 1951. At the same time Worcester City were getting 6,000, Hereford 8,000 and Yeovil 10,000.

"We will just buckle down, get it together again and get the same spirit and the same commitment."