THESE are worrying times for Kidderminster Harriers.

A club that just over 12 months ago was playing at Sunderland in the FA Cup fourth round, now has real question marks over their future.

Since November, a raft of key players have left Aggborough, culminating in the departure of influential centre-half Josh Gowling on non-league transfer deadline day.

Yet, despite receiving fees for Nathan Blissett and Chey Dunkley, as well as getting them and Michael Gash off the wage bill, money remains tight.

Players and staff have not yet been paid in full for March and received February’s wages late, a situation which led to a media boycott following the 0-0 draw against Halifax.

Consequently, the team has plunged down the Conference table to the extent that last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Braintree was their first victory since January 20.

It all paints a bleak picture and there are few signs that things are going to improve any time soon.

Chairman Ken Rae has already revealed that the playing budget will be significantly reduced for next season and has brought in former Stourport Swifts manager Rod Brown to conduct a review of the club’s commercial activities.

Top of the list will be to increase revenue and live within their means. Harriers have become too reliant on benefactors Ernie and Kath Lane.

Such a policy can only get you so far and the danger — when the money is no longer available or runs out — is now becoming clear.

Harriers now look like they will get the majority of their income through gate receipts, which makes the decision to remain full-time a bold one.

While part-time clubs aren’t cheap to run, playing to a standard to attract the fans to finance full-time staff is a tough ask when the budget is lower. It would be easy to get caught in a vicious circle.

But Harriers must at least be praised for addressing the problem now, even if they are already running into financial problems.

By burying their heads in the sand and carrying on, Harriers could fast have become non-league’s next crisis club and that doesn’t serve anybody’s purpose.