This is a statement of intent from the new owners of the club’s ambition to achieve promotion in the coming seasons.

Speaking of the appointment on their behalf, Richard Lane told https://harriers.co.uk: “This is a new era for the football club.

“This is the time to focus on building a bright future for the club and moving forward, collectively, with the supporters and the town behind us. The atmosphere against Gateshead at Aggborough on Tuesday was fantastic, and we’re keen to really carry that forward now as we build for success on the pitch.

“Jimmy is local and hungry to get to work quickly and to be successful here. He was the standout candidate for us, and we’re looking forward to getting started.

“We are committed to supporting Jimmy in strengthening his squad with signings; this isn’t an overnight process; we will give him the tools he needs to help boost the team.”

In what is a significant capture for the club, the 41-year-old takes charge for the home game against Boston United on Saturday.

Shan’s extensive coaching career has already spanned the better part of 15 years, during which he worked throughout the ranks at West Bromwich Albion, including eight in the club’s academy. There, alongside Darren Moore, he helped develop some of the Baggies’ best prospects including Saido Berahino and Chris Wood.

Shan worked with players at every age group whilst with Albion, on his way to an integral role within the first team, first in 2018 when he worked as assistant to Moore and then, last season, as caretaker manager after Moore had departed.

An astute and highly regarded coach, Shan guided the club to the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs where only agony in a penalty shoot-out stopped them reaching the Wembley final.

Lane added: Jimmy’s body of work at West Bromwich has, we believe, demonstrated he is clearly destined for a successful career as a manager, thanks to his work-rate, dedication and ability to build relationships.

“He was the standout candidate for us, and we’re looking forward to getting started.

“His spell in the dug-out here will be initially until the end of the season, where he will be assisted by Russ Penn, who has been in caretaker charge for the last two matches.

“The impact Russ has had on the team and staff at the club in such short space of time has not gone unnoticed, and we strongly expect Russ to be a significant part of the club’s future moving forward.”

Shan added: “I know plenty about Kidderminster given my work in the area – it is clearly a progressive club that wants to move into the future in the right way.

“I am looking forward to working with Russ, the players and the club; it is a big challenge, however as a group, with the re-engagement and support of the Kidderminster fans, I’m confident we can be successful”.

Kidderminster Harriers FC