KIDDERMINSTER HARRIERS chairman Rod Brown says the club aren't “out of the woods” despite seeing an improvement in their finances.
The Vanarama National League club have cut their playing budget by half this season after money problems last term which saw players paid late and star players sold.
Brown joined the Aggborough board in March and stepped up to become chairman after Ken Rae resigned in April.
He is hopeful of getting the Worcestershire club on an even keel by the end of the season but has warned there is a lot of work still to do.
“We're in a situation where we're a lot more comfortable financially,” he said. “However we're not out of the woods yet and haven't kicked a ball in earnest.
“When I came in the club wouldn't have been much above one (out of ten) – it was in a dire situation.
“What we've managed to do is take it to a five, the activity that's gone in the close season – to do with trying to create a foundation – we've had a great success, our commercial department has had its best return for ten years.
“It's been a very, very challenging time but everyone's come together and we've turned a lot of negatives into positives. We had to be very radical as far as the budget's concerned. There is an area of flexibility within that but it's small margins.”
Brown also praised boss Gary Whild for the players he has been able to bring into the club despite the purse strings being much tighter than in recent years.
“I never had any doubt, whatever financial tools Gary was given he would come up with the goods – he's been very shrewd with some signings,” he added. “We're not looking to be a top-six side – I'd take fifth from bottom now – but we want to try and entertain.”
