Kidderminster Harriers have dismissed manager Phil Brown.
The club, which competes in the National League North (sixth tier), announced the decision following their playoff loss to Chester on Monday.
Kidderminster concluded the season in third place in the sixth division, ending up three points adrift of champions Brackley Town.
A win on the final day against Southport would have secured the league title and automatic promotion for Brown`s team.
However, a 1-0 defeat meant they had to enter the playoffs, where they were subsequently beaten 2-1 by Chester at their home ground, Aggborough.
Brown`s side initially took the lead in the 19th minute through Kyle Morrison.
Nevertheless, goals from Dylan Mottley-Henry and Declan Weeks secured the victory for the visiting side.
Assistant manager Neil McDonald has also left his position at the club.
In a statement confirming the changes, Kidderminster chairman Richard Lane commented: “Although we came very close to achieving our objective, the season`s outcome was ultimately extremely disappointing.”
Lane added: “Our main goal for the club remains promotion back to the National League, and we believe now is the appropriate time to make adjustments before starting our next campaign.”
He concluded: “I personally want to thank both Phil and Neil for their hard work during their tenure at Kidderminster Harriers, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavors.”
Regarding the search for a new manager, Lane stated: “The process to appoint a new manager has already commenced, and we hope to provide our loyal supporters with an update shortly.”
After the defeat against Chester, Brown was critical of his players` performance.
The 65-year-old manager commented: “We weren`t able to rise to the occasion; we couldn`t cope with the pressure.”
“That`s the disappointing aspect for me, and it`s something I will need to address during the off-season as we prepare for next season.”
“When we were ahead, I believed we had sufficient composure and experience to see us through to at least half-time.”
“Football has its highs and lows, and today was an example; we played well for 30-35 minutes but then succumbed to the pressure the opposition applied and failed on the basic fundamentals of the game.”
