Kidderminster Harriers appoint former player and West Brom No.2 Adam Murray as boss

Murray, 43, returns to Aggborough after two stints early in his playing career. He has since built an extensive CV in coaching, including a National League North title with AFC Fylde in 2022/23.

Birmingham-born Murray left Sussex outfit Eastbourne Borough last Friday after a National League South semi-final defeat to Maidstone, having seen his Borough side just pipped to the National South title.

He will be tasked with going one better again in the North with Harriers, who themselves are looking to respond to semi-final heartbreak against Chester. Former boss Brown was dismissed after the club missed out on the title in a final-day collapse at Southport.

Murray - who in 2014 became the youngest manager in Football League history at the helm of Mansfield where he had legendary status as a player - was Valerien Ismael's assistant at both Albion and with Turkish giants Besiktas. He has also coached at Barnsley, Port Vale and Cheltenham in the Football League before the switch to Eastbourne, which started by leading them clear of the drop.

Harriers chairman Richard Lane said: “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.”

Former midfielder Murray's playing career spanned the top flight with Derby, through the Football League and into non-league. The length of his contract has not been disclosed.