KIDDERMINSTER Harriers Football Club have announced the appointment of Dean Holdsworth as the club’s new technical director.

The club has said the appointment represents a "significant milestone" in the club’s journey following promotion to the National League.

As a player Holdsworth featured in over 600 games and 197 goals, with much of his football played at Premier League level with Wimbledon and Bolton Wanderers.

After his playing career, he managed several clubs, with his greatest success coming with Newport County achieving promotion to what is now the National League as Champions. In addition, he has served as chairman of the Professional Footballers Association and founded the Non-League Footballers Association. He is also a former co-owner of Bolton Wanderers.

The club says that the role will allow him to ensure the club’s philosophy is implemented at all Academy and Junior levels; working with players, coaches, and staff at all age groups to oversee development in those areas, as well as further establishing and strengthening a clear pathway to allow young talent to progress towards and transition into the first team.

The role will also include working closely with the first team management to assist them in achieving short and long-term objectives and supporting them with the day-to-day running of first-team matters.

Kidderminster Harriers chairman, Richard Lane, said “We are thrilled to welcome Dean to our football family.

“His exceptional experience as a player and manager will help guide Kidderminster Harriers in years to come to become sustainable off the pitch and achieve its goals on the pitch.

“As well as supporting Russ Penn, Jim O’Connor and the first team staff, he will help ensure our philosophy is clearly defined, established and maintained in all areas of the Kidderminster Harriers family, which will enable us to continue producing and developing and nurturing talent for many years to come.”

Dean Holdsworth said: “I am honoured to become a part of the Kidderminster Harriers family and work alongside the Chairman and management team. The club has great potential both on and off the pitch to succeed in becoming a Football League club in years to come.”

Harriers manager Russ Penn added: “With the short-term success we’ve had at Kidderminster Harriers over the last three years, we have to learn and grow with the times, and I believe adding to what we have at the club is a sign of our objectives moving forward.

“Dean will be a great support to all corners of the football club with his knowledge and experience, and we look forward to working with him.”