Kidderminster appoint permanent manager

Kidderminster appoint interim boss Russ Penn as the club’s permanent manager, after replacing Jimmy Shan back in February 2020.

The National League North side ended up finishing the cancelled season in 16th place with 38 points.

? We’re pleased to confirm the permanent appointment of Russ Penn as the club’s Manager.

Details, plus reaction from Russ, Neil Male, and news of the new Assistant Manager are now available online.

❤? #Harriers #COYR

— Kidderminster Harriers ? (@khfcofficial) April 24, 2020

The club statement read: “Interim Chief Executive Neil Male has today confirmed the permanent appointment of Russ Penn as the club’s Manager and Jimmy O’Connor as Assistant Manager.

“Given the lack of continuity the club and its fans have endured in recent seasons and the general uncertainty surrounding the game in general at present, the Board feels it is vital to offer everyone some stability with an eye for the future.

“As such, Russ and Jimmy have been appointed to their roles for the next two seasons, during which time it is expected that the club and the team to succeed and thrive under stable leadership on and off the field.

“As players, Russ and Jimmy have more than 1,000 matches under their belt combined, accumulating vast experience of not only the EFL but, most crucially, non-league football as well.

“In a short space of time, the two also demonstrated their managerial capabilities, working together for the latter part of the 2019/20 season to get results, and bring back some of the club’s feelgood factor. The Board are wholly confident they are the right people to continue to do this in the future.”

Interim Chief Executive Neil Male said: “Both Richard Lane and I want stability for the club. Having had more than five managers in 18 months, there’s a need to put in foundations and build something powerful for the future – Jimmy and Russ have our full backing to do that.

“I’ve personally seen Russ develop and grow in stature during his spell as Interim Manager and, with the support of a vital figure in Jimmy, I know they are the people who can bring success back to Kidderminster Harriers with their extensive experience and contacts at this level.”

Manager Russ Penn said: “I’m so proud to be named Manager of Kidderminster Harriers. Everyone knows this is my club – I’m a local lad who played over 200 games here, and I know what it means to the people of the town.

“To be given this opportunity at my age shows the faith and confidence Richard and Neil have in me. They know what this club means to me, as do the fans. I’ll be doing everything in my power to succeed here, and I know the fans will be right behind me.”

Assistant Manager Jimmy O’Connor said: “Russ and I have built up an excellent working relationship over the last 18 months in some difficult circumstances, and I’m excited to be working with him going forward. I know that we share the same vision, passion, and ambition to help drive this fantastic club forward.

“We want to reward the faith Richard and Neil have shown in us, and the best way to do that is by bringing success back to Kidderminster Harriers.”

Fans reacted as Kidderminster appoint their new permanent manager…

Season one under Eustace was not terrible. The football at home was sensational.

— NH (@JamesThomasNH) April 24, 2020

Good news. @RussellPenn16 all the best

— Jono (@jono_1981) April 24, 2020

Fully deserved

— luc? (@lp2000_) April 24, 2020

Great news. Russ has gone a great job since Shan left and already has the fans backing!

All we need to do now is inject ourselves with some Dettol and we’ll be raring to go in August!! #KHFC https://t.co/Tcn6fZONZM

— Liam Shannon (@LiamKHFC) April 24, 2020

Congratulations @RussellPenn16 … wish you all the best in bringing us the success we crave. COYR #khfc https://t.co/7xP1mQ8iUY

— NH (@JamesThomasNH) April 24, 2020

@RussellPenn16 great news and best of luck

— Matt Sleep (@matt_sleep) April 24, 2020

So deserved ??⚽

— Paul Bayliss (@PaulBayliss9) April 24, 2020