'We're ready to rock and roll' - Adam Murray eyeing success with Kidderminster Harriers
Winning is in new Kidderminster Harriers boss Adam Murray’s blood - and he has his sights firmly set on success.
Harriers welcome Scarborough Athletic to Aggborough for their National League North opener tomorrow, in what will be Murray’s first competitive game in charge.
The 43-year-old, who was previously a coach at West Brom under Valérien Ismaël and became the youngest manager in England’s top four divisions at Mansfield Town in 2014, arrived at Kidderminster on the back of their play-off heartbreak last season.
But, after Murray led AFC Fylde to the National League North title in 2023/24 and Eastbourne Borough to the National League South play-offs last season, Harriers fans will hope this is a sign of what’s to come.
“I am definitely a winner, it’s all I have ever known,” Murray said. “I have been really fortunate as a player and a coach to have some success.
“If it wasn’t about that then I wouldn’t do it. I love winning, I love helping people and building teams.
“When you step out onto the pitch, the whole point is to win, so a big focus goes on the mentality it takes to do that.
“I have been fortunate at my previous two clubs that we have won consistently. We want to win, I think people will see a high-intensity team that will try and dominate, and hopefully an exciting one.”
Harriers will look to return to the National League at the second time of asking since their relegation back to the division.
Then boss Phil Brown made way after missing out on promotion last year, and Murray has no doubt over the expectation that comes with the job.
He added: “For me, that is the big pull to come here. It is a club that needs to be in the higher levels.
“The tough thing is getting there and out of the league. Having been successful at other places, once this opportunity came up, it was one that I really wanted to get my hands on and have a go at making it successful.
“Being at home (for the fist game) is a big boost in terms of getting everybody together. We are looking forward to it, we are ready to rock and roll.”
Meanwhile, in the Northern Premier, Ian Long is hoping for a winning start to life as Rushall Olympic boss against Warrington Rylands.
Long, who once played at Rushall under now owner John Allen, is hoping to bring joy for supporters.
He said: “It has been easier to settle in because of the relationships I already have with people at the club. But, at the same time I think it adds a bit of pressure because I am really eager to do well for those people.
“It makes me really want to do well and bring some success to the club. It has been a difficult 12 months. I just want to put smiles on people’s faces again.”
Elsewhere, league rivals Hednesford Town begin life at step three non-league football visiting Hebburn Town while Stourbridge of the Southern Central Premier entertain Bury Town, under new leadership of Darryl Knights.
