KIDDERMINSTER Harriers chairman Lionel Newton believes Jan Molby's men have a realistic chance of reaching the Third Division play-offs next season.

The Aggborought outfit's debut campaign in the Football League ended with them finishing in 16th spot, but ambitious Newton is convinced they can make a bigger impact next term.

He said: "I think we will be looking at mid-table with the possibility of getting into the play-offs, that's my hope as chairman.

"Last season we lost a lot of games which we should have done but now the team know what playing at this level is about.

"People like Paul Webb will come back fitter, and discipline will be better and everyone will be better prepared."

Newton, meanwhile, has defended his choice to back the Football League's decision to vote against a two-up and two-down promotion and relegation system between the Nationwide League and Conference.

He admitted the vast majority of League clubs were worried about the television revenue they would lose if relegated to the Conference.

The vote by the chairmen of the 72 League clubs went against the proposal by a landslide 71-1 margin.

Newton said: "I went to the meeting fully intending to support the motion but on hearing their proposal I had no other choice than to vote against it.

"The Conference put together a plan to offer a two-year parachute payment which just wasn't enough for the relegated club to survive.

"You only have to look at the financial struggle relegated League clubs faced in recent years to see how difficult it is staying afloat when you drop out of the League."