FELLOW Vanarama National League side Kidderminster Harriers have parted ways with former York City stalwart Russ Penn.

Penn, who ends a four-year tenure in charge of Kidderminster, has departed the club with the Harriers rooted to the foot of the National League table.

The 38-year-old has managed just four wins from the opening 28 matches of the season, accumulating 20 points with Kidderminster seven points adrift of safety.

One of those wins came on just the second matchday of the season, as the Harriers secured a 1-0 victory over York thanks to an 83rd minute strike from former Minstermen striker Amari Morgan-Smith.

Penn was responsible for Kidderminster’s promotion from the Vanarama National League North last season, defeating Alfreton Town, King’s Lynn Town, and eventually Brackley Town in the play-off final.

He’s a recognisable face around North Yorkshire, too, having made a combined 112 appearances across two spells with York.

Penn began his time with City in 2014 after joining for an undisclosed fee from Cheltenham Town, with the midfielder netting five goals in two seasons before turning down a new contract and departing the club for Carlisle United.

The 38-year-old did return to the club in the 2018/19 National League North campaign, before exiting just six months later to join Kidderminster originally as a player.

Penn was linked with the City job following Mikey Morton’s departure in late August, before Neal Ardley was appointed as the club’s first-team manager.

Kidderminster chairman Richard Lane spoke on Penn’s departure and wished the former boss all the best, telling the club website: “I want to place on record the thanks of everyone associated with our club to Russ for his tremendous effort and dedication over the last few years and the incredible memories we will all keep with us.

“This is a difficult decision to have taken but one we feel is necessary in our current circumstances.

“Nonetheless, Russ leaves us with our full respect and will always be welcome at Kidderminster Harriers.”