KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have begun the hunt for new shirt sponsors after local company Hire It! decided to end its four-year involvement with the club.

John Davies, owner of the tool hire shop, chose to terminate the deal with Harriers after he was unable to secure a place on the board.

The life-long Harriers fan was told that he must pay £50,000, which is the requisite amount required to become a director.

Davies felt that his help behind the scenes as well as sponsorship had more than justified his place.

"I wanted to give the fans and the sponsors more involvement at a higher level," said Davies.

"I have put a lot of effort into the club and have always been available to help it out.

"I have been there when the club's pitch has been frozen and did a lot more than many sponsors would and I felt that the communication wasn't coming from the board."

Chairman Barry Norgrove thanked Hire It! for its sponsorship and told the Shuttle/Times and News that it has begun the search for another local business to get involved in the club.

The news that the company is pulling out comes as a blow after Norgrove revealed that Harriers' player budget would be smaller for next season because of falling attendances.

Nogrove said: "John has sponsored the club for the last four years and we've thanked him for his assistance because he's been a great help.

"The club has been very lucky with sponsors because we have had OGL Computers for seven years and Hire It! for another four, which has given us great stability.

"But now we are working hard behind the scenes to find a new sponsor."