Kidderminster Harriers' boss Phil Brown has signed a new deal to stay at Aggborough until 2026 despite their relegation from the National League.
Hereford fans at Aggborough
Set to return to the National League North next season, Harriers struggled after a stunning run at the end of last season saw them gain promotion.
But Russ Penn, mastermind of the unexpected promotion, couldn't turn Harriers' poor form around and was replaced by Phil Brown at the start of the year.
The 64-year-old former Hull City and Southend United boss, and assistant Neil McDonald, have now agreed to stay at Aggborough and bosses at the Worcestershire club are already eyeing up a return to non-league's top flight.
Chairman Richard Lane told the official club website: “Relegation has been a huge disappointment to myself personally, and everyone connected with Kidderminster Harriers football club, not least our partners and sponsors, loyal supporters and the local community.
“I have seen the connection Phil and Neil have forged from our players to our fans and believe it can be a foundation for us going forward.
“As a business, we have worked tirelessly in the last few years to create a financial stable platform with a springboard for success. Although this season hasn’t met our expectations and ambitions, we have achieved so much and made so many memories in a short space of time. Because of that, everything is in place to try and make sure our journey together continues, undeterred, towards more success in the future with Phil and Neil at the helm.”
Director of football Dean Holdsworth said: “Relegation hurt us all, we must turn that hurt into determination to bounce back. The arrival of Phil Brown gave the players, supporters and the whole club a new sense of belief, and the re-signing of Phil indicates the chairman’s ambition to return to The National League as soon as possible.
“Although we didn’t reach our goal of staying up, to take that fight into the final weeks of the season given the position we were in is remarkable, as is the drive and passion, Phil, the backroom staff and the players have shown.
“We’re delighted to secure their services for another two seasons. We look forward to pressing the ‘Reset’ button; plenty of hard work is already going on to ensure we are in the best possible shape to compete next season.”