KIDDERMINSTER Harriers have appointed John Pemberton as the club’s new manager.

The 54-year-old takes charge at Aggborough having agreed a two-year contract.

Midfielder Russ Penn has been appointed as his assistant and commences that role immediately – while also retaining his availability as a player if required.

As a player, Pemberton made over 300 appearances for the likes of Crewe and Crystal Palace, and in coaching and management his career has already stretched the better part of two decades at academy and senior level.

After retiring as a player, Pemberton transitioned into coaching at Nottingham Forest, managing their championship-winning under-18 side, taking over as caretaker manager of the first team at the City Ground in in 2008 – steering Forest to a memorable FA Cup win at Manchester City.

In youth football, he has overseen successful periods at Sheffield United and Chesterfield – the latter most recently – while also taking up senior roles at Bristol City, Crystal Palace and Northampton Town as assistant and caretaker manager.

Pemberton was also caretaker boss at Chesterfield in the National League last season.

An astute and disciplined character, he is widely regarded in football circles.