A KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fan could become famous across the district in an unusual fund-raising scheme by the Division Three club.

Harriers are naming their new 2,040-seater stand, which should be taking shape by the last home game against Bristol Rovers, after the winner of a raffle for season 2003/04.

Supporters or businesses can buy a book of five tickets for £10 at Aggborough from today before the grand draw takes place in July.

The club, helped by a Football Stadia Improvement Fund grant of £850,000, are already creating cash for the £1.1m development through a buy-a-brick scheme.

Cash-strapped Harriers, who have also confirmed two high-profile pre-season friendlies with top Midlands clubs, hope the initiatives will allow them to focus more money on squad strengthening.

Media manager Steve Thomas said: "We thought it would be nice to name the new stand after a fan, though obviously local companies can enter as well.

"It might generate more income than just selling the rights to the stand would.

"We shall see how it goes. It's the first time we've done something like this and I'm not aware of it happening elsewhere."

Busy play-off chasers Harriers have organised two crowd-pulling friendlies to play in front of the new east-side stand which is replacing the demolished Bill Greaves Terrace, known as the Cowshed.

Ian Britton's team will take on Premiership new boys Leicester on Monday, July 21, and then on Saturday, July 26, face West Bromwich Albion who have been relegated back to Division One.

The new stand, needed to meet Football League demands to boost the number of seats at Aggborough from 1,100 to a minimum of 2,000, is on course to be completed before mid-July.

Over half the steelwork and concrete is in place so far with the entire shell expected to be on view for the clash with Bristol Rovers on Saturday, May 3.

Ground capacity has been reduced to 4,421 in the meantime so the game with Rovers, who will bring around 1,500 fans, is all-ticket.

Harriers will aim for their best crowd of the season, beating the 3,821 who watched them defeat Leyton Orient 3-2 on Boxing Day.

The third highest, 3,689 in Saturday's 2-0 home defeat to Wrexham, included 1,369 fans from the Welsh club.

Thomas added: "Tickets are selling very well for the Bristol game and they will not be for sale on the day."

Anyone interested in Harriers' fund-raising schemes can call the club on 01562 823931.