FORMER Hull City boss Phil Brown has been named the new manager of Kidderminster Harriers.

The Harriers, who sit bottom of the National League table, parted company with manager Russ Penn last week.

Brown has joined the Harriers on a deal until the end of the season. 

On becoming the Harriers manager, Brown said: “I was immediately drawn to the passion that the Chairman and Board of Kidderminster have for their club, and their desire to succeed.

“There’s no getting away from the fact we are in a battle, but the picture is clear in terms of what we want to try and achieve, and it’s a challenge I am looking forward to sinking my teeth into.”

As a player, he made over 650 appearances for the likes of Hartlepool and Bolton Wanderers before transitioning into management, notably with Hull City. He helped them achieve a first ever promotion to the Premier League.

He has also guided Southend to promotion to League One, and steered Barrow to safety in the EFL in 2022.

Harriers Technical Director Dean Holdsworth said: “This is a significant appointment for us as a Club and shows the Chairman and Club’s ambition. We needed to be clear about the Club’s situation right now, but also the ambition for the future, and act accordingly to both. First is the next 18 games, and then we’ll reflect on where we are and what’s required going forward.

“Phil Brown is someone who has a proven track record of delivering against the odds when required. With the loyal support we have had from fans so far, through a tough time, performances and results will improve and we can get smiles on faces.

“His experience and contacts, along with his high standards will add to the strong foundations of the good squad and experienced players with have with us, and platform established here by Russ Penn and Jimmy O’Connor.

“Of the many, many excellent applications we had for the post – and we thank them for their interest – we can’t think of anyone better than Phil to lead that charge.”

The Harriers are currently seven points behind Woking who sit just above the relegation zone.