FRUSTRATED chairman Lionel Newton has threatened to quit if Kidderminster Harriers' average crowd plummets below 2,500.

Newton has adjusted his budget to cater for home gates of that figure, meaning a further £60,000 annual loss on top of the £200,000 already leaving the Division Three club.

The multi-millionaire's patience is running out with stay-away fans, the area's big firms and Aggborough landlords Wyre Forest District Council.

But Newton, instrumental in lifting Harriers into the Football League for the first time in their history, has assured loyal supporters he wants to stay for them and ensure required ground improvements take place.

He acted quickly after the average gate dropped from 3,400 last season to 2,700 for the current campaign.

He warned: "If the average crowd drops below 2,500, I would resign. I would just have to say that I'm sorry but I can't take this club any further.

"I'm not fan bashing and I don't want the hardcore fans to think that but I'm telling everyone the honest position.

"There is nothing in it for me. I have no vested interest and have put all my time into the club for nothing.

"I budgeted on 3,000 but the crowds are down even further and I have now had to budget at 2,500.

"That realistically means another £60,000 loss. For every home game there are less than 2,000 of our own there and it means a £3,500 loss for every home game.

"But I'm not saying to Jan (Molby) I want you to sell six players and get them off the wage bill.

"Where are those 5,000 fans who were in the town with their flags when we won the Conference? I'll be meeting Kidderminster Harriers Independent Supporters' Association next week. They are concerned."

Harriers have dipped below 2,500 three times this season against Preston North End (2,227), Torquay United (2,440) and Mansfield Town (2,387).

But the club have plans for a 2,000-seater stand on the Bill Greaves Terrace to meet Football League criteria, meaning a need for more cash.

Newton revealed he was due to meet with the district council yesterday to clarify their commitment to the club.

He explained: "I want to ask them whether they want a Football League club. The council own the ground but have done nothing for this club, only take the ground off the directors.

"Why should I keep paying off the losses to keep the district council's football club going? Ideally, I would like them to sponsor the new stand and I will put that straight to them. I want to see this stand project through."

Newton is appealing for help from the district's business community but acknowledged some strong support.

He added: "We have written to every big company in the area for support and are waiting for replies.

"The problem is not with small businesses around here as they are 100 per cent behind the club.

"But unless this council start doing things and unless the big companies in this town start supporting this club then I will walk away.

"It's taken us 114 years to get into the Football League and we are immediately around the bottom."