Matt Gardiner: Kidderminster Harriers recruit Worcester City's joint manager
Last updated on .From the section Football
Kidderminster Harriers have brought in Worcester joint manager Matt Gardiner from their former Aggborough rivals as the club's new head of coaching.
The experienced 42-year-old becomes the first appointment made by new Harriers manager John Eustace.
Gardiner officially starts work when relegated Harriers begin pre-season training on 1 July, ahead of their first season in National League North.
"The vision, infrastructure and plans for the future are exciting," he said.
"It's been a big decision for me. However, the opportunity to coach and develop players in a full-time environment has always appealed to me."
Harriers, who will remain a full-time operation next season, finished the season on Saturday with a 4-3 win at Southport, their sixth game without defeat.
"We have some momentum to take into next season, which is excellent," said Gardiner. "John and I are looking forward to hitting the ground running now."
Harriers chief executive, Colin Gordon, who has run the first team for most of this season, added: "Matt is forward-thinking, someone who works his socks off. He has a great eye for the game and, knowing him like I do, he needs this opportunity.
"He is meticulous in the way he plans things and that suits a full-time job in football. I've been fully aware of him for a long time and am a big admirer of his. He feels he can succeed as a full-time coach and I believe he can."
Harriers will no longer be sharing their Aggborough home next season with Worcester City, who have agreed a new rental deal at another of their Worcestershire neighbours, Bromsgrove Sporting FC.
