A THREAT to the future of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club is set to come under the national spotlight at the Labour Party Conference next week.

The club is cited in a resolution calling for Prime Minister Tony Blair to help kick into touch controversial European Union proposals to scrap football transfer fees.

Wyre Forest Labour Party has had the resolution accepted by the national party and is certain the Conference will set it down as one of four major debates in a vote on Monday.

Lifelong Harriers fan and constituency chairman Tom Watson, the architect of the resolution, is urging Government opposition to the proposals.

He is certain Kidderminster, like many other small and medium-sized league clubs, would be put in financial peril if the plans go through.

Mr Watson, 33, said: "Having collected money for the Harriers dip at the age of 13, I count myself a true fan.

"This resolution comes from the heart. These proposals are a real threat to clubs like the Harriers and they must be stopped."

Mr Watson, who is a national political officer in the Amalgamated Electrical and Engineering Union, cited the case of former Harriers striker Lee Hughes, now at West Bromwich Albion.

Kidderminster have a 15 per cent sell-on clause for Hughes, who was recently valued at £5 million.

The loss of £750,000 would be devastating for a club of Harriers financial standing.

Mr Watson revealed there was significant union backing for the resolution. Now it needs constituency delegates to back a debate.

The resolution comes as Tony Blair and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder have urged caution over the European Commission proposals.

A joint UEFA/FIFA task force is in negotiation with the commission over alternative proposals which would involve a ban on international transfers for players under 18 years old and compensation for those between 18 and 24.

Those over 24 would have freedom to move unless they broke a contract clause.

Harriers chairman Lionel Newton welcomed the resolution and stressed how a successful halt to the controversial plans were vital to the club.

The self-made millionaire businessman said: "Football is unlike any other business. You can't just have players able to walk out every other week.

"Nurturing and selling players is the lifeblood of many clubs such as ourselves. And we're not just talking about the Third Division. Only three or four clubs outside the Premiership make a profit."

He added: "All Football League chairman are opposed to this plan. If the FIFA/UEFA compromise is the only alternative I'll back it.

"I just hope this debate gets a national airing. It is crucial to the future of a host of football clubs."