New Kidderminster boss Adam Murray kickstarts business with reunion as Bird swoops in

Murray has teamed up with Pierce Bird for a third time after the central defender previously worked under the manager at Eastbourne Borough and AFC Fylde.

The 26-year-old is a former Northern Ireland under-21 international and won the National League North title with Murray at Fylde in the 2022/23 campaign.

He will become a Harrier at the beginning of July after the expiration of a deal at Eastbourne, where Murray managed last season.

Nottingham-born Bird has also turned out for Leek Town, Alfreton Town, Boston United, Eastleigh and King’s Lynn Town. Boss Murray believes him to be one of the most accomplished defenders with the ball at his feet at National North level.

“Pierce has been with me at my last two clubs and had a great success," said Murray. “For me he is one of the best ball playing centre backs at this level and has won the league before. He understands the league and will be a strong addition to the team.”

Harriers have also confirmed the departure of stalwart left-back Caleb Richards at the end of his contract after more than 200 appearances for the Reds.

Richard, 26, initially joined on loan from Norwich in 2020 and the move was made permanent in March 2021. He claimed player of the season awards and helped win promotion in 2023 in his time at Aggborough.

Elsewhere, ambitious Hednesford Town continued their eye-catching recruitment with the addition of Sheffield United's former Premier League utility man Kieron Freeman.

The versatile Freeman, who came through the Nottingham Forest academy, had spells at Derby, the Blades and Portsmouth among others. He won a Wales cap in 2018 before helping Sheffield United to promotion to the top flight in 2019. He made two Premier League appearances.

Hednesford earned promotion to step three's Northern Premier via a play-off success under Gavin Hurren in his first full season.

“Kieron has had an exceptional career and is a player I’ve admired for a long time," said Pitmen boss Hurren. "I first spotted him properly when we played against a PFA XI in pre-season, and he immediately stood out – fit, technical, controlled, and always driving the game."

Freeman, 33, said he spoke with and followed former team-mate and fellow high-profile signing Chris Hussey, the former Walsall defender.

"After speaking to Chris Hussey and seeing what’s being built here, I knew I wanted to be part of it," Freeman said. "I’ve had some great moments in my career – getting promoted to the Premier League, being involved with the Wales senior team – and now it’s about bringing that experience and enthusiasm to a club that wants to win, and if the gaffer wants to push for that again."