Kidderminster Harriers boss Russ Penn relishing the chance to get stuck into Premier League West Ham as non-leaguers aim to bridge mammoth 113-place gap in plum FA Cup tie… with a little help from their Norwegian fan club!
- Sixth-tier Kidderminster Harriers are set to host Premier League West Ham in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday
- 113 places separate the National League North side from their opponents
- Kidderminster boss Russ Penn hopes his side can make it a difficult test
- The club’s run has led to gratitude from local businesses with pubs booked out
- BBC will show the match after win over Reading in last round wasn’t televised
Kidderminster boss Russ Penn is ready to hit West Ham with Harriers’ secret weapon – their Norwegian supporters club.
The National League North club are 113 places below David Moyes’ team in the pyramid but will be roared on by 5,000 supporters at Aggborough, including some from Scandinavia.
The Norway branch of the Harriers supporters club numbers nearly 200 and several are expected to fly in for the game, with the club providing eight tickets.
Kidderminster celebrate their third round win over Reading – now they take on West Ham
Harriers manager Russ Penn celebrate their 2-1 win over Championship Reading in round three
‘They bring a drum and create an amazing atmosphere,’ said manager Russ Penn.
‘They have really helped us in the last couple of years. They have generated money and I hope they have a fantastic weekend.
‘I did my press conference for this game in the room which will become the BBC studio for the game. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer will sit there. It’s quite a reality check – surreal.
‘The club looks tidy and we are preparing for one of the biggest clubs in country coming to town. There are eight pubs around town that have sold out tickets to watch it on TV.
‘Local businesses have texted me to thank me for our Cup run. It has generated income for the town which makes everything more special.’
Sam Austin celebrates scoring Kidderminster’s equalising goal against Reading last time
The winner was scrambled home by forward Amari Morgan-Smith, seen celebrating with fans
Kidderminster were snubbed for live coverage in the third round and responded by creating a huge upset, knocking out Championship club Reading.
There was no chance of the television companies making a similar oversight this time as they prepare for what could be one of the greatest shocks in the competition’s history.
Penn added: ‘We were disappointed not to be on TV in the last round, even though I had guessed we wouldn’t be after looking at the draw.
Aggborough will once again be full to capacity for Saturday’s fourth round visit of West Ham
‘They probably didn’t expect an upset but I think we are respected by the country a bit more now. They are better and fitter than us, which is why they are paid as much as they are.
‘We need to be on our game and hope West Ham have an off day. If that happens, who knows? We have to believe history can be made one day, and let’s hope it is on Saturday.
‘We will 5,000 cheering us on, small changing rooms, and a nice tight pitch. Let’s have it.’