JOHN EUSTACE has today been confirmed as the new manager of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club.

The 36 year-old former Watford and Derby County midfielder has already started work in assessing the squad here at Aggborough going into the final games of the season, and is expected to be present in time for the campaign’s final fixture at Southport next weekend.

Born in Solihull, Eustace has enjoyed stellar playing career, amassing almost 500 senior appearances in the Premier League, Championship and Scottish Premier for the likes of the Hornets and the Rams, playing a big part in Derby’s fortunes as recently as last season.

Harriers Chief Executive, Colin Gordon, hailed John’s arrival at the football club, saying: “In choosing John we have made an appointment for the long-term and I know full well what we are getting.

“I’ve known him for over ten years; he is an astute professional with an incredible understanding of the game.

"He has had a great career as a player at the highest level and it’s very clear that he is going to be a fantastic coach and Manager. “John has watched a lot of our games this season, especially recently, and knows exactly the direction he wants to go in.”

John has penned an initial one-year contract with the club that will see him in the hot-seat for the 2016/2017, most likely in the National League North.

Harriers can also confirm that John will be joined at Aggborough by a Head of Coaching, with Chairman Rod Brown confirming that the club have been given permission to discuss the vacancy with Matt Gardiner, currently joint-manager at National League North side Worcester City.

“We always knew that John wouldn’t be able to do this job alone and that experience within the management team of the level we’d be playing at was crucial,” Rod added.

“We’re currently in discussions with Matt about fulfilling the role as there’s little doubt that he’d be a huge asset to us. We’re grateful to Worcester for giving us permission to speak with Matt and are hopeful of being able to come to an agreement with him soon.”

Of Eustace’s appointment, the Chairman added: “We’re tremendously excited by this appointment; John is someone who is very highly thought of by some very prominent people in the game, and we’re very fortunate to have him here.”