Kidderminster Harriers have decided appoint experienced former EFL player turned manager Adam Murray after sacking Phil Brown.
The 43-year-old former midfielder brings extensive experience, with over 500 senior appearances as a player across the Premier League, EFL, and non-league.
His managerial career began in 2014 as the youngest manager in England’s top four divisions with Mansfield Town. Murray has since held coaching and management roles at clubs including Barnsley, Cheltenham, West Brom, and Beşiktaş, as well as leading AFC Fylde to the National League North title in 2023-24.
Most recently, he guided Eastbourne Borough to National League South play-offs in 2024-25 after securing safety the previous season.
A former Harriers player in 2003-04, Murray’s appointment has been praised by owner Richard Lane for his enthusiasm and proven track record. An extended interview with Murray will be released soon on club channels.
Introducing your new boss…
Proudly brought to you by @AdamHewittLtd #Harriers 🦅 | @EBC_Group pic.twitter.com/Ing94bQKUt
— Kidderminster Harriers 🦅 (@khfcofficial) May 20, 2025
We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of Adam Murray as Manager of the men’s first team at Kidderminster Harriers.
Find out more about the boss… ⤵️#Harriers 🦅@EBC_Group | @AdamHewittLtd
— Kidderminster Harriers 🦅 (@khfcofficial) May 20, 2025
KIDDERINSTER STATEMENT:
Kidderminster Harriers Football Club are delighted to confirm the appointment of Adam Murray as Manager of the men’s first team.
The 43-year-old is a vastly experienced football figure, having made over 500 senior career appearances spanning the Premier League, EFL and non-league.
In management and coaching he has worked at a high level since becoming the youngest Manager in England’s top four divisions in taking the Mansfield Town job in 2014.
His CV includes time working in coaching and management roles at Barnsley, Cheltenham and West Bromwich Albion among others, in addition to a spell assisting Valérien Ismaël at Turkish giants Beşiktaş.
Crucially, the former midfielder has amassed significant experience in the dugout at non-league level, too, having steered AFC Fylde to the National League North Championship in 2023-24.
He joined National League South side Eastbourne in January 2024 and helped steer the club away from relegation danger with a superb end-of-season run to achieve safety.
Last season, he guided The Sports to the play-offs having missed out on the title by the slimmest of margins, suffering just eight defeats in the 46-game regular season. Heartache then followed as his side were downed by Maidstone in the semi-finals.
Now, he’ll take charge of Harriers ahead of the 2025-26 campaign having not only managed Boston and Fylde against the Reds in the past but also having worn the red shirt himself.
In the 2003/4 season, first on loan before signing permanently, he made 22 appearances for the club, scoring three times, before his move to Mansfield – later playing for Carlisle, Torquay, Mansfield and Oxford.
Owner Richard Lane said of the appointment: “I’m delighted to welcome Adam Murray to our football club. His enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the position came through loudly when we met and his CV, as a player and a manager, speaks for itself.
“I believe this appointment will excite our amazing Partners, Sponsors, supporters and staff, this demonstrates again that we are fully committed to succeeding at this level and we’re all looking forward to the new season.”
A full, extended interview with Adam Murray will follow on club channels shortly.
#EBFC are sad to announce that the club have parted ways with First Team Manager Adam Murray.
Adam will be sorely missed at The ReachTV Stadium, and we of course thank him for his hard work, commitment and passion whilst part of our journey. We wish him the best for the future.
— Eastbourne Borough FC (@ebfc_official) May 16, 2025
EASTBOURNE STATEMENT:
Eastbourne Borough FC are sad to announce that the club have parted ways with First Team Manager Adam Murray.
Murray arrived in East Sussex in January 2024 and led the club to The Great Escape as he guided the Sports out of the National League South relegation zone in 2024/25.
In his first full season, the former Mansfield Town stalwart then led the Sports up the National League South standings – coming within a whisker of the league title – before missing out in the play-offs against Maidstone United.
The transformation under his leadership has been there for all to see, but family must come first. Murray’s family live in Derby, and he has made the decision to be closer to home after 18 months away.
The 43-year-old will be sorely missed at The ReachTV Stadium, and we of course thank him for his hard work, commitment and passion whilst part of our journey. We wish him all the best for the future.
Thank You, Adam
From the great escape last season to this year’s near miss, Adam Murray has been at the heart of some unforgettable moments for Eastbourne Borough. He inherited a team lacking confidence, a club daring to dream, and a community hungry for something special. Under his guidance, we saw what’s possible when conviction meets coaching, when heart meets hard work.
He arrived with purpose, led with passion, and helped us all believe in the impossible.
After two tough seasons on the Sunshine Coast, Derby is calling him home. Adam wants to be closer to his family, and while we understand and respect his decision, it doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.
We had plenty of memories, some big wins, some long miserable car journeys home, and a few wild rides in between, what mattered most was Adam’s commitment to the cause. His fingerprints are on the progress we’ve made, and his impact will last far beyond his time in the dugout.
Thank you, Adam for the memories, the emotions, and allowing us all to dreams. You gave us everything, and your work has helped shape the new era we’re building.
On behalf of everyone at Eastbourne Borough the players, staff, fans, and this ambitious chairman, thank you for believing in our vision, for giving your all, and for being part of our journey.
Our loss is someone else’s gain, and wherever you go next, you take with you our gratitude and best wishes. Family must come first.
The search for a new manager begins now. For those interested in taking on this bold, ambitious project, please reach out to ceo@ebfc.co.uk.
Once a part of the Borough, always a part of the Borough.
Simon Leslie – Chairman, Eastbourne Borough FC
Adam Muraay says – Thank You Simon, Thank You Eastbourne Borough
Today is an incredibly sad day as I say good bye to an amazing football club.
What a journey – from the miracle of survival to being so close to becoming champions – and I have loved every second of it. We have made some amazing memories and built some incredible relationships together.
I would like to thank my boys and my staff, who have ran through brick walls for me and I could not of asked for any more.
A huge thank you to the amazing supporters who have shown me incredible love from day one. The reason our home became a fortress was you and you being that 12th, 13th and 14th man. I will miss you!
Finally thank you to Simon. His backing and support has never stopped. He truly is a special man – his vision was what sucked me in and I hope I have played my part in moving it forward. Thank you.
Unfortunately home is calling and with 5 kids, I have to put them first.
I have no doubt the future is bright for Eastbourne Borough under Simon’s leadership. I will be watching from afar!
Good luck team xx
Twitter users reacted as Kidderminster appoint the experienced former EFL player turned manager after sacking Phil Brown…
@Sussexsportfan: Top top top manager
@JackPug09814967: Fair enough, great gaffer
@mattskhfc: Adam Murray’s barmy army. Class appointment, hats off to lane and Holdsworth here. Getting an apt like this in two weeks after Brown left is decent going.
@KHFC111: Great video, brilliant appointment. Was sad to see PB leave but I’m happy with this 🦅
@AlexWithers14: Best of luck Murray! V happy with this
@ThePabloMorgan: Great! Now let’s get some players signed and put together a squad to get out of this league. #COYR # KHFC
@JohnnyR55380733: Great appointment.
@euniesufc: What an appointment 👏
@EBFCbobbie: Look after him lads. Got your self a quality manager
@YesPie_: Bloody fantastic
@shauntippins: Congrats. A winner at this level and did well with Eastbourne in a very tight NLS last year. Worst case scenario for you guys he will double your TikTok subs…. Very good piece of business done
@ball_launcher: All the best @admuz ⚽️
@KHFC111: Welcome Adam 🫡
@Marcus_carver9: What a guy all the best Muz 👍
@Rowberry_: Fantastic appointment. Knows how to win at this level having seen very recent success with AFC Fylde & Eastbourne. Interesting to see how the squad shapes up over the Summer.
@Navara10NZO: Good appointment, knows the league & plenty of contacts.
@OwenMason21: Welcome Adam, very excited to see how you do! Big summer ahead! 🔴👏 #KHFC
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