A KIDDERMINSTER Harriers fan and successful businessman is hoping to raise a windfall for the cash-strapped club.

Ernie Lane, 65, has this week started contacting businesses in a bid to drum up more interest in Harriers.

Chairman Lionel Newton quit the board last week, citing a lack of support from big businesses, Wyre Forest District Council and stay-away fans.

Lane, of Blakedown, has stressed he does not plan a takeover of Harriers or intend to push for a director's role.

And he said he will support anyone, including a potential supporters trust, if they are prepared to plough money into the football club.

Lane, who has an executive box at Aggborough, owns three nursing homes in the Kidderminster area as well as being involved in farming and property.

He said: "I discussed the idea with one or two people at the club, particularly business development manager Terry Smith.

"It was decided that quite independently of the club I would take on the job of trying to raise interest.

"I've been talking to a few local people with a view to whether they would support us in any way whether they're supporters or not and private business people as well.

"I say to any supporters who want to pitch in, the more the merrier.

"It's all in the initial stages and I'm still waiting for positive answers. Some are definitely not interested."

Former chairman Newton, who owns more than 80 per cent of Harriers' shares, will sell his stake for £1 to anyone who takes a formal legal agreement to invest substantial funds.

But Lane said: "There's no intention on my behalf to become a director and we are certainly not about trying to take the club over.

"We want the club to continue running and for us to be on the outside.

"Even if we only raise a few thousand pounds, that's something. We may be lucky and raise a little bit more.

"But this has to be done at some time or another because unless supporters get involved, it's a poor show."

Harriers will announce losses of around £265,000 at next month's annual meeting for the year ending May 2001.

But their short-term future is secure with two further payments of £240,000 from the transfer sell-on of Lee Hughes after he joined Coventry City from West Bromwich Albion.

However, there are more long-term concerns over the club's chances of survival in the Football League.

Lane continued: "Terry Smith has done such a good job and most people I've talked to have been approached before.

"So that means I have to try to do things a different way so I'm talking about a two-year commitment to the club.

"It can be as little or as much as they want to put in and I will start it off with a donation from myself, as much as I can.

"I have every support for a supporters trust and if they want to talk then we can discuss it."

Lane saw a young Kidderminster Harriers side book a place in the Worcestershire Senior Cup final on Monday with a 2-1 success over Solihull Borough.

And he is confident Harriers can make more progress under boss Jan Molby with the right backing.

He added: "My hope is that this club will actually get into Division Two. Our young players are maturing very well."