Blackburn Rovers clarity after reported addition to Valerien Ismael staff
Adam Murray will not be joining Blackburn Rovers after taking up the manager's role at Kidderminster Harriers.
The 43-year-old has been linked with a move to Ewood Park to become part of Valerien Ismael's backroom staff. Murray initially worked under Ismael at Barnsley and later followed the head coach to West Brom and Besiktas.
He had a spell in charge at AFC Fylde before taking over at Eastbourne Borough in January 2024, leading the club to safety in the National League South.
Murray's side finished third this season but were beaten by Maidstone United in the play-offs earlier this month. He then announced he was leaving the club earlier this week, sparking fresh speculation he could be moving to Ewood Park.
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However, he has instead been unveiled as Kidderminster's new manager. He was a former player with the National Leaue North side, joining on loan in 2003/04 before making the move permanent.
He made 22 appearances for the club, scoring three times, before his move to Mansfield – later playing for Carlisle, Torquay, Mansfield and Oxford.
Murray replaces Phil Brown, who led The Harriers to third in the division but they were beaten in the play-offs. Scunthorpe United were promoted alongisde Brackley Town.
Owner Richard Lane said of the appointment: 'I'm delighted to welcome Adam Murray to our football club. His enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the position came through loudly when we met and his CV, as a player and a manager, speaks for itself.
'I believe this appointment will excite our amazing Partners, Sponsors, supporters and staff, this demonstrates again that we are fully committed to succeeding at this level and we're all looking forward to the new season.'
Ismael did not rule out future additions to his team when he was appointed but nothing has been suggested outside of the links to Murray.
"As I say it was the first step to come with Dean (Whitehead) and for sure we will assess the situation as I say and week after week to get that feeling," he told The Lancashire Telegraph.
"If we need to add someone more, then we will do it and at the minute it's just to observe, to assess and later we will take some decisions."
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