Forgotten ex-Premier League manager takes charge of National League's bottom club
Following the departure of Russell Penn, Kidderminster Harriers have confirmed the appointment of Phil Brown as the club's new manager in an attempt to stay in the National League
Former Premier League boss Phil Brown has been appointed as the new manager of Kidderminster Harriers, who sit rock bottom of the National League.
Brown, who led Hull to the top-flight in 2008, has been out of work since leaving Barrow at the end of the 2021/22 season but is now back in the dugout at struggling Kidderminster.
The Worcestershire-based outfit sacked Russell Penn on Monday following a run of four defeats in their past five matches, which has left them seven points adrift at the foot of the table.
However, Harriers will be hoping Brown can guide them to survival in their first season back at this level, after winning promotion from the sixth-tier last campaign.
Speaking after his appointment, 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."
Kidderminster confirmed the arrival of ex-Brentford and Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth as the club's new technical director last month and he was delighted to get a deal for Brown over the dotted line.
"This is a significant appointment for us as a Club and shows the Chairman and Club’s ambition," Holdsworth said. "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."
Kidderminster face Altrincham in the FA Trophy in Brown's first match in charge on Saturday, before three crucial league matches in seven days against Aldershot, Hartlepool and Dagenham & Redbridge.
Brown's reputation in management needs no introduction. The 64-year-old, who represented Hartlepool, Halifax, Blackpool and Bolton in his playing career, has managed 557 senior matches.
Having started as caretaker boss at Bolton, Brown got his first full-time gig at Derby. However, that proved to be rather disappointing after he was sacked with a 21.2 per cent win rate.
Brown then joined Hull and guided the club back to the Premier League in his second season, winning the Championship play-off final thanks to Dean Windass' memorable strike.
A controversial character, Brown was involved in one of the Premier League's most infamous moments when he conducted in his half-time team talk on the pitch while his team were 4-0 down at Manchester City.
Brown left Hull in 2010 and went on to manage Preston, Southend, Swindon, Pune City and Barrow, clocking 193 wins in his managerial career.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Clickthis link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our
