FORMER West Bromwich Albion caretaker boss Jimmy Shan has been appointed interim manager of Kidderminster Harriers.

Shan will take charge of Harriers initially until the end of the season where he will be assisted by Russ Penn who has led the team for the past two matches.

The appointment follows the resignation of John Pemberton as manager last week and the sale of the club to a consortium led by Kidderminster-born businessman Richard Lane in October.

Shan was named caretaker manager of West Brom in March this year and 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.

The 41-year-old left the Baggies in June to pursue his managerial ambitions and has now agreed to take the Harriers hotseat.

In a statement by Harriers, Lane said: “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.

“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.

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

Shan’s extensive coaching career has already spanned the better part of 15 years as he worked throughout the ranks at West Brom, including eight in the club’s academy.

During his time in the youth system he helped to develop some of the Baggies’ best prospects including Saido Berahino and Chris Wood.

Shan also played an integral role within the senior side, first in 2018 when he worked as assistant to Darren Moore and then last season taking on a caretaker role.

He has joined Harriers with immediate effect and will take charge of the side for Saturday’s home clash with Boston United.

“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,” Shan said.

“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.”