KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have sold more season tickets than at the same stage last season - dispelling fears of apathy at Aggborough.

The club's early bird scheme finished last weekend, with 430 supporters taking advantage of the reduced price offers.

Ninety more tickets have been sold this year than in the months following their relegation to the Conference in 2005.

Brisk trade at the Aggborough box office has come as a relief to chairman Barry Norgrove and his board of directors.

They feared disgruntled fans would vote with their feet and stay away after the club's failed bid to bounce back to the Football League at the first attempt.

"We've sold about 430 tickets which is 90 more than this time last year," admitted Norgrove.

"It's very encouraging, especially after such a bad season.

"We're looking to get crowds of 1,500 to 1,700 next season and if we do well that will rise."

Norgrove said the funds generated from season ticket sales would be used towards the playing budget and general running costs of the football club.

With boss Mark Yates abroad on holiday until Monday, June 26, assistant Neil Howarth and the chairman will meet potential signings, including a goalkeeper, over the next few days.

"Mark's gone away for a while but we're still busy working behind the scenes to get more players in," added Norgrove.

"We've arranged a couple of meetings with people so me and Neil will be sorting those out."

Harriers are locked in talks with a number of organisations about securing training facilities for next season.

They have already renewed their lease with the council to use their regular base at Brown Westhead Park in Wolverley.

Discussions are also ongoing with Baxter College to occasionally train on a pitch at the back of the site.

"We need a few different places to train because of the weather," said Norgrove.

"Pitches get cut up when it rains so you need to be able to get about a bit and have access to different facilities.

"We've got Brown Westhead Park sorted out and are speaking to Baxter College and somebody else, but our talks are at a sensitive stage."

As well as overhauling the Aggborough pitch, Kidderm-inster have also spent money refurbishing the dressing rooms.

A new central heating system and showers have been installed and new carpets have also been fitted.

West Bromwich Albion are expected to renew their agreement to use Aggborough for their reserve team games, but Harriers are pushing for a `rent' increase to meet rising costs.

Harriers have also signed a new kit and club shop deal with sportswear giants Nike.