The huge financial impact of the Kidderminster Harriers' 'incredible' FA Cup run

The lowest-ranked team left in the FA Cup are keen to make history this weekend when they face Premier League titans West Ham.

However, Kidderminster Harriers' stunning run in the competition has already brought huge financial and economic benefits to the former carpet manufacturing town.

Last month, the Harriers entered the Fourth Round of the cup after they came from behind at Aggborough Stadium to defeat Reading 2-1, who were positioned 79 places above them on the English footballing ladder.

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Now they're hoping for another upset as they face a club 100 places above them, in a tie which will be broadcast live to more than 150 countries on Saturday (February 5).

With the team enjoying its historic run, the FA commissioned a financial and economic impact report that shows the true value of the National League North side’s recent success.

The report, led by football finance expert Dr Rob Wilson at Sheffield Hallam University, estimated that the club’s run to the Fourth Round has had a revenue benefit of more than £500,000 to the Kidderminster Harriers themselves and then almost £800,000 to its local community - a whopping £1.3million in total.

The Harriers' running total has been received from the competition directly in the form of prize money, gate receipts, broadcast and commercial fees.

The additional boost to the local economy has been generated by visitor spending, with the West Ham fixture generating revenue of almost £300,000 in its own right.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Rob Wilson said: “Kidderminster Harriers have performed heroics to reach the Fourth Round and have been rewarded with a home tie that our research