Kidderminster confirm departure of Phil Brown and Neil McDonald after losing in the National League North playoffs last week.
The Harriers failed to secure the National League North title and then lost 2-1 to Chester in the playoff semi-final against Chester.
Brown, appointed in January 2024, led an impressive turnaround, winning six of his first eight matches and earning National League North Manager of the Month awards for November 2024 and March 2025.
Despite this, the team fell short of automatic promotion and was criticised for crumbling under pressure in key matches.
Kidderminster Harriers can today confirm the departure of Phil Brown and Neil McDonald from the Club with immediate effect.
Update ⤵️#Harriers 🦅
— Kidderminster Harriers 🦅 (@khfcofficial) May 7, 2025
CLUB STATEMENT:
Kidderminster Harriers can today confirm the departure of Phil Brown and Neil McDonald from the Club with immediate effect.
Chairman Richard Lane said: “Whilst we came very close to achieving our goal, the outcome of the season ultimately proved bitterly disappointing.
“We remain firmly focused on our primary objective for the club, which is returning to the National League, we feel now is the right time to make changes before embarking our future campaign.
“I would personally like to thank both Phil and Neil for their efforts during their time with Kidderminster Harriers and we wish them nothing but the best for the future and their next challenge.”
The Chairman added: “The process of appointing a new manager is already underway and we hope to update our loyal supporters on that soon.”
The Club will be making no further public comment at this time.
Phil Brown hit out at his Kidderminster Harriers players after the 2-1 defeat to Chester.
He said, per Kidderminster Shuttle: “We haven’t been able to step up to the plate, we haven’t been able to handle the pressure.
“That’s the part I’m disappointed with and it’s something I’m going to have to address in the close season with regard to next season.
“When we had our noses in front, I thought we had enough composure and experience to maybe get us to half time at least.
“There’s highs and lows and the example has been there today; we played well for 30, 35 minutes and succumbed to pressure to what the opposition were throwing at us, and the basics of the game.
“When the pressure was added, we didn’t respond… we won 12 out of 14 games, it was brilliant.. but then, to not conduct yourself in the manner you had done, it’s unacceptable.”
Here’s also the highlights and post-match interview after defeat on the final day to Southport…
Twitter users reacted as Kidderminster confirm the departure of Phil Brown and Neil McDonald after losing in the playoffs…
@lewisegan: After bottling the league and the play offs this doesn’t suprise me one bit. In fact, I’m surprised he’s made it to Wednesday as I was expecting this news on Monday. Next appointment has to be right or perhaps pressure starts to mount on the higher ups at the club
@TallHall60: Well done Richard Lane. The right decision. Big appointment to make now.
@jamiemac198: Where do we go from here then? Really don’t understand the harriers fans who are celebrating this. He was literally 1 win away from the title was worth another season at least
@JacquelineO1970: I’m actually quite sad it’s ended like this. I wish Phil and Neil well and thank them for a season that had far more ups than downs. 🦅
@Saddampiper: Kudos to Lane acting promptly
@jamesperks123: Best manager we’ve had since Steve Burr. Crazy decision if this has came from the ownership…
@KHFC111: Terrible decision.
@tomhwilliams23: Can see why this decision has been taken; lost in the playoffs after also nearly winning the title. Would he have got it right next season? Potentially. Clear what the objective for any potential manager is though; promotion. Anything less will be seen as failure
@khfcreds: Think this is okay IMO : saves costs, his in game management was shocking, bad treatment of some players (Seb + Roberts) and throwing team under the bus was awful + he seemed to be a target for everyone we played against. Had some good times though so thanks Phil! #khfc
@KimCasey1971: By and large, it’s been a fun ride. Thanks to PB and NM. But this is probably the right decision. Major changes needed now. Big couple of weeks ahead.
@Dan_1160: Good to see the club aren’t messing about though, get it in nice and early and give the new manager a decent summer
@OffTheLineBlog: Phil Brown + Neil McDonald exit 🦅 Not really the biggest shock in the world if I am honest. Rumblings throughout the campaign with #KHFC very much painted a picture of falling short would spell the end of their reign. Who next? Hmm. I’d be tempted by Steele + Gash as a pick
@JacquelineO1970: Well some people will be happy. I personally am sad he’s going. Whilst the end result was not what we wanted this season, I’d have taken 3rd after the relegation last season. I wish Phil and Neil well. 🦅
