KIDDERMINSTER Harriers boss Jan Molby is convinced the fans will start flocking back to Aggborough during the Christmas period.

"I think we'll get two good gates, especially if we can get a good result at Hull today," he said in the wake of Harriers chairman Lionel Newton's recent outburst about the club's falling attendances.

Newton was particularly disappointed by the size of the crowd for Kidderminster's FA Cup second round clash with Carlisle United.

It amounted to 2,533 and was followed by just 777 for the LDV Vans Trophy first round tie against the Cumbrians.

Newton said: "The FA Cup result was heartbreaking but what absolutely gutted me was the crowd. I don't know whether this town wants a football club."

Molby, however, believes that the tide will turn for the Boxing Day match with Mansfield and next Saturday's visit of Scunthorpe.

He said: "I had a good look over all the gates last Saturday and there were some very disappointing ones, especially in the Second and Third Divisions.

"That tells its own story. People can no longer afford both, all the football games as well as Christmas.

People will save up a little bit of money for party-going between Christmas and New Year and I would like to think that will involve football.

"On Boxing Day most clubs get good gates and I think that if we can win against Mansfield then it should carry on for the Scunthorpe game.

"All we can do is try to do our best and hopefully people will came and support us."

Before today's clash at Hull, nine of Kidderminster's last 11 matches had all been at home.