Harriers begin life without Penn (From Worcester News)

Harriers begin life without Penn

4:19pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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KIDDERMINSTER Harriers will kick-off their pre-season programme without star midfielder Russ Penn following his switch to Burton Albion.

Mark Yates’ team face a double header with a visit to West Midlands Premier side Bromyard Town tonight (7.45pm) before a trip to Bewdley Town tomorrow (3pm).

Penn completed his move to League Two new boys Burton Albion for an undisclosed club record transfer fee yesterday, signing a two-year deal.

However, manager Yates has retained midfielder Chris McPhee on a two-year deal and re-signed central defender Martin Riley on a one-year contract.

Speculation about Penn’s future had been rife and Harriers, who valued the player at £50,000, had always said they would not stand in the England ‘C’ player’s way if the deal was right for the Aggborough club.

Burton’s previous record transfer was the £17,500 capture of former Worcester City striker Christian Moore from Ilkeston Town in 2000.

Penn, who made 178 appearances and scored 26 goals for Harriers, said: “I have had four great years at Kidderminster but I have always played well when I have come here, it’s a great set-up and I know a few of the lads and I really wanted to come and be a part of Burton.”

Yates added: “Russ has been fantastic for this club over the last four years and we’re very grateful for all his efforts while he was here.

“The lure of the Football League is the only reason he’s leaving us and we all wish him luck for the future.”

Elsewhere, Stourport Swifts start their warm-up campaign ahead of the new Zamaretto Division One Midlands season at Midland Combination Premier Division outfit Pershore Town tomorrow (3pm).

Swifts manager Neil Hunt has signed former Harriers player Jamie Insall, fellow midfielder Lewis Fathers, from Cheltenham, and former Malvern defender Dean Whittle-Williams.

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