Kidderminster Harriers, a club competing in the National League North (the sixth tier of English football), have announced the departure of their manager, Phil Brown.
The club confirmed the news shortly after their defeat to Chester in the playoffs on Monday.
Kidderminster concluded the regular season in third place, finishing three points behind league champions Brackley Town.
Winning their final match of the season away at Southport would have secured the league title and automatic promotion for Brown`s side. However, a 1-0 loss meant they had to compete in the playoffs instead.
Their playoff campaign ended with a 2-1 home defeat against Chester at Aggborough. Kidderminster initially took an early lead in the 19th minute through Kyle Morrison.
Despite the early advantage, goals from Dylan Mottley-Henry and Declan Weeks ensured Chester claimed the victory.
Alongside Brown, assistant manager Neil McDonald has also been relieved of his duties.
Kidderminster chairman Richard Lane addressed the decision, stating, “While we came very close to achieving our goal, the ultimate outcome of the season proved bitterly disappointing.”
Lane reaffirmed the club`s primary objective of returning to the National League, adding, “We feel now is the right time to make changes before embarking on our future campaign.” He extended his thanks to both Phil Brown and Neil McDonald for their efforts and wished them success in their future endeavours.
Lane also confirmed that the process to find a new manager is already in progress, with updates expected for supporters soon.
Following the playoff loss to Chester, Brown was critical of his players` performance.
The 65-year-old manager commented, “We haven’t been able to step up to the plate, we haven’t been able to handle the pressure.” He expressed disappointment with this aspect, indicating it`s something he will need to address during the off-season for the next campaign.
Brown felt the team lacked the necessary “composure and experience,” particularly after taking the lead, suggesting they should have held on until at least half-time.
He concluded by highlighting the “highs and lows” demonstrated in the match, noting that his team played well for the first 30-35 minutes but then “succumbed to pressure” and failed on “the basics of the game.”
