MATT Gardiner has been unveiled as Kidderminster Harrier’s new head of coaching after departing Worcester City.

City had placed Gardiner on temporary leave last month after Harriers offered him the chance to join newly-appointed manager John Eustace’s backroom staff.

Following a series of meetings, the 42-year-old agreed to make the switch to City’s Worcestershire rivals and will begin his new role on July 1.

The move ends Gardiner’s four-year stint at Worcester where he was promoted from assistant manager to joint-manager alongside Carl Heeley at the start of this season.

Gardiner said it was a “big decision”, but he admitted the opportunity to coach and develop players at a full-time club proved too good to turn down.

“The vision, infrastructure and plans for the future are exciting and whilst I know there's a lot of hard work ahead, I can't wait to get started,” Gardiner said.

“John and I are looking forward to hitting the ground running now – we have some momentum to take into next season which is excellent.”

Kidderminster will play in the same division as City next season after being relegated from the Vanarama National League.

Harriers chief executive Colin Gordon added: “Matt is vital to us and he is forward-thinking, and someone who works his socks off.

“He has a great eye for the game and, knowing him like I do, he needs this opportunity.

“He is meticulous in the way he plans things and that suits a full-time job in football.

“I’ve been fully aware of him for a long time and am a big admirer of his.

“He feels he can succeed as a full-time coach and I believe he can.”