KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have agreed a deal which sees West Bromwich under-21s playing at Aggborough next season.

This season, Arsenal, Swansea, Newcastle and Aston Villa were just a handful of the sides that came up against West Brom in U21 action.

In addition, Aggborough could also host matches featuring Albion’s U18 side, including the prestigious FA Youth Cup.

Albion are set to pay Harriers a fee for each match staged and the Reds will also keep the gate receipts from games.

The arrangement ensures that the strong relationship between the two clubs continues to develop, which will see the club able to bring in youngsters on loan from the Premier League club if they wish to.

Chief Executive, Colin Gordon, commented today: “We’re excited about getting this completed for some time – the people at West Brom are great to deal with and it’s an arrangement that will really benefit us.

“The pitch at Aggborough has held up magnificently this season thanks to the work of our own groundsman but from next season the wear and tear will be significantly less and we’ll be able to tap into some of their expertise in that area as well.

“There is a financial aspect to the deal that suits us as a club but, more importantly, we’re looking forward to hosting some exciting games with some of the brightest young talent in the country.”

In an extra cash boost,Albion will be bringing their first-team Premier League squad to Aggborough this summer for a pre-season friendly, with a date and further details to be announced in due course.