Adam Murray leaves Kidderminster Harriers to take Barrow job

Kidderminster Harriers have confirmed manager Adam Murray has left the club after Barrow triggered a release clause in his contract.

The shock announcement comes just days after the 44-year-old guided Harriers to the National League.

Kidderminster ran out 2-0 victors at South Shields on Saturday in the National League North Promotion Final, ending a two-year hiatus from the top tier of Non-League football.

However, just days after a triumphant promotion, the former Mansfield Town, Boston United, AFC Fylde and Eastbourne Borough manager has made the switch to Barrow, who were relegated back into Non-League this season.

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Too good to turn down

A club statement said: “Kidderminster Harriers can reluctantly confirm that Adam Murray is to leave his position as Manager following an approach from another club.

“Shortly after the weekend’s final, a club presently in the EFL met a release clause within Adam’s contract to discuss their vacancy, which Adam has expressed a desire to pursue.

“We understand the timing of this announcement will come as a disappointment to fans following Saturday’s promotion.

Lane added: “Adam has been very open and honest with me since the weekend.

“While he was a year into a two-year contract and a project with us here, I fully respect that, given the overall financial package on offer, he feels it is an opportunity for him and his family that he cannot turn down.

“While the timing is unfortunate following such a fantastic end to the season, I am sure we all wish Adam nothing but the best for his future.

“At this time and always, our priority is on our fantastic club and its fans; our focus now is on moving quickly with a managerial appointment that will lead us into a new chapter in our history after promotion.”

Move forward

After capping off a magnificent first season at Aggborough, Murray said: “Over the last six months we have been unstoppable.

“We’ve been on some really big runs, and we’ve finished it off eight unbeaten.

“It’s massive for the club who suffered final day heartache last season, but this was a remarkable way to end this season – the best way to do it.”

Yet within days of delivering promotion and speaking proudly about the club’s resurgence, Murray is now set to move on.

Lane sought to reassure Harriers supporters that the club would move forward positively despite his departure: “Collectively, we have achieved something amazing this season and I want those memories to stay fresh in the minds of our supporters and sponsors, who backed us so incredibly, particularly in those final months of the season.

“We have every cause to celebrate, and we will move forward with nothing but positivity and excitement for our next challenge.”

Target

Barrow chairman Paul Hornby said Murray was quickly identified as a target following their disappointing season in League Two that finished with Sam Foley in caretaker charge.

Hornby told the club’s website: “I’m delighted to welcome Adam to the club and can’t wait to see him get started at the club.

“We as the board identified Adam as a target early due to his track record, current performances, and philosophy.

“We had to bide our time, due to his success with Kidderminster this season which extended into the post-season games but are really pleased to be able to have him on board.

“He’s a young, hungry manager but already has a whole range of experiences in England and in Europe including two promotions into the National League in the last four years.

“We also spoke to people within the game who couldn’t speak highly enough of him as a manager and as a person which speaks volumes of him as an individual. 

“Our ambitions and beliefs for this season align and that culture and togetherness is going to be such a key factor this season and myself and the board are really excited for the year ahead.”

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