Kidderminster boss Russ Penn is ready to hit West Ham with Harriers’ secret weapon — their Norwegian supporters club.
The National League North side 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. Several are expected to fly in for the game, with the club providing eight tickets.
Kidderminster boss Russ Penn is expecting an electric atmosphere against West Ham
The National League side will host David Moyes’ side at the Aggborough Stadium on Saturday
‘They create an amazing atmosphere,’ said manager 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 be the BBC studio. Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer will sit there. It’s quite a reality check — surreal.
‘We are preparing for one of the biggest clubs in the country. Eight pubs have sold out tickets to watch the game 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.’
Kidderminster and West Ham last met in the FA Cup in the 1993/94 fifth round
Kidderminster were snubbed for live TV coverage in the third round and responded by knocking out Championship club Reading. There was no chance of a similar oversight this time.
Penn added: ‘They didn’t expect an upset but we are respected by the country a bit more now.
‘We need to be on our game and hope West Ham have an off day. We have to believe history can be made, and let’s hope it is today.
‘We will have 5,000 cheering us on, small changing rooms and a nice, tight pitch. Let’s have it.’