COLIN Gordon's reign at Kidderminster Harriers is over with the National League North club taken over by a local consortium.

The group of business people are headed up by Kidderminster-born Richard Lane who owns technology firm EBC Group.

The new owners say they are committed to keeping the club at Aggborough for the foreseeable future.

They plan to develop the stadium by generating additional income from local businesses with the aim of making Harriers self-sustainable and successful in the long term.

The owners also want to strengthen the club's position as exponents of football provision, education and employment opportunities.

Lane said: “I grew up less than a mile from Aggborough and started watching the club when I was two with my father Rocky.

"His years of enthusiasm for the club concluded with him becoming a director a few years later to which I am very proud, especially when I reflect on what the football club achieved in his tenure.

“We can see the enormous potential here for the club to do something very special in the community.

“There are some immediate challenges ahead of us, namely ensuring the club is stable and self-sufficient not just for now but for the future so that the club’s supporters have a team to watch and a club to support for many more years to come.

"That is our only immediate priority. I know this is a tight-knit community and we’ll need that togetherness.

"The manager and team will need it on the pitch as we drive success off the pitch to keep the club moving forward and thriving.

“Winning community club of the year (in 2019) was a fantastic achievement for everyone here but it is important we continue and build on that work with local children, businesses and charities.

“A successful, sustainable football club can help bring together a community and that’s what we want to create.”

Gordon will no longer have a role at the club but is to work as a consultant to the new owners.

Lane added: “Before the year is out we will bring together a new board of directors at the club. It will be made up of like-minded local business people with passion for football and the community.”

The club are finalising the last of the formalities surrounding the takeover including talks with the National League.