Crest of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club

Kidderminster Harriers

The Kiddy

A photo of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club
© Biddle of Nowhere Photography, licensed under CC BY SA 2.0

Kidderminster Harriers Football Club, nicknamed “The Kiddy,” is a non-league football club based in Kidderminster, Worcestershire.

Established in 1886, they currently compete in the Vanarama National League North, which is part of the sixth tier of English football. The team calls Aggborough their home ground.

Originated from athletics and rugby before transitioning to football in 1886, the club, formed after merging with Kidderminster Olympic in 1890, had a notable early history in the Birmingham League, winning consecutive championships in 1938 and 1939. Despite a brief interruption due to World War II, the Harriers continued their football journey post-war, achieving a record attendance in 1948 during an FA Cup match against Hereford United. In 1951-52, the club made history by hosting the first floodlit FA Cup game at Aggborough.

The Harriers experienced a period of success beginning with their promotion to the Alliance Premier League in 1983. This era saw the team winning major non-league honors and making several Wembley appearances, including their first FA Trophy win in 1987. Notably, the Harriers had remarkable FA Cup runs, such as their 1993-94 campaign where they defeated Birmingham City and Preston North End before narrowly losing to West Ham United. They continued their giant-killing reputation with notable performances against Wolves and Peterborough in subsequent years.

Entering the Football League in 2000 under Jan Molby, the Harriers spent five memorable seasons competing against clubs like Swansea City and Hull City. However, relegation in 2005 marked a return to non-league football, where they faced challenges both on and off the pitch. Despite management changes and financial instability, the club saw a resurgence under John Eustace and Russ Penn, culminating in a remarkable 2022-23 season. The Harriers achieved promotion through the play-offs, spurred by a nine-match winning streak, revitalizing the club’s fortunes and fanbase.