Phil Brown departs Kidderminster Harriers after play-off heartache

Experienced former Premier League manager Brown exits after a season-and-a-half at Aggborough as the 2024/25 National League North campaign ended in disappointment.

The 65-year-old's side were beaten 2-1 by visitors Chester in Sunday's National North play-off semi-final to condemn Harriers to another season at step two of the non-league system.

Harriers had been just a final-day victory away from promotion and the title, where a win at lowly Southport - who were safe from relegation - would have sealed top spot.

But Kidderminster lost 2-1 and slipped to third as Brackley took the title and Scunthorpe claimed second. The play-offs pitted Harriers against Chester at Aggborough but despite taking the lead it ended in 2-1 heartbreak in front of their own supporters.

Brown and his assistant Neil McDonald both signed two-year deals last summer.

Chairman Richard Lane described the promotion failure as "bitterly disappointing" and suggested the decision to part ways was made with next season in mind.

“We remain firmly focused on our primary objective for the club, which is returning to the National League, we feel now is the right time to make changes before embarking our future campaign," Lane said.

“I would personally like to thank both Phil and Neil for their efforts during their time with Kidderminster Harriers and we wish them nothing but the best for the future and their next challenge.

“The process of appointing a new manager is already underway and we hope to update our loyal supporters on that soon.”

Brown accused his players of crumbling under pressure after the play-off defeat to Chester. He said: “You can praise the opposition but you have to give criticism to your own, myself included.

“The criticism comes in the way of being able to handle themselves on the biggest stage.

“When the pressure was cranked up we didn’t respond.

“We cranked it on ourselves by winning 12 out of 14 games or whatever it was. We were responsible for taking things to the last game of the season.

“Then to not conduct yourself in the manner you have done, is unacceptable. A professional footballer will always be judged on pressure situations."

A poor run of form around the turn of the year, culminating in a home defeat to Spennymoor, saw pressure ramp up on the former Hull boss but an improved series of results thereafter oversaw a charge up the National North standing which put Harriers on the verge of the title.