A KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fanatic has had to beat a retreat after an ill-fated attempt to drum up support for his beloved team.

Ben Warman, 31, had an idea which he felt could be instrumental in spurring the team onto promotion in the new season starting on Saturday - but was left disappointed when told he could not take his drum into Aggborough Stadium.

Having seen the electric atmosphere generated by drummers at a Liverpool game, Mr Warman - a Harriers fan of 20 years - thought his new purchase would be the ideal tool to unite Harriers fans behind their heroes.

But when he turned up for the pre-season friendly with West Bromwich Albion he was told he would be allowed in - but the drum would have to stay outside.

Club stadium manager Roger Barlow said Aggborough is too small to allow bands onto the terraces.

He added that safety officer Peter Picken had taken the decision to ban them as they would upset other supporters.

But Mr Warman claims fellow fans are backing his bid to bang out a beat on the terraces.

"My drum is no threat to anybody," he said.

"I used my airhorn during the championship winning season but they have now been banned so this year I went out and spent £39 on a drum.

"Lots of people in the Harriers Arms and behind the goal want to hear the drum in the ground.

"After the performance the team gave against West Brom I said if they can play like that all season they can win the Third Division - but they need the fans to create the best possible atmosphere," he added.

Mr Barlow said: "Some clubs actively encourage bands but we don't allow them into the ground.

"We haven't got a big ground.

"It's alright for the person banging the drum but we haven't got a big terrace anywhere or a big block of seats so people couldn't go anywhere to get away from them."