Non-league previews: Kidderminster win would mean a lot to Halesowen boss Penn
Russell Penn has admitted that victory against his former side Kidderminster Harriers would mean more than others as he prepares to return with Halesowen Town tomorrow.
The now Yeltz boss enjoyed a successful term as manager at Harriers, historically leading them into the National League and enjoying lengthy memorable FA Cup runs.
Penn will return to familiar territory at Aggborough tomorrow for the FA Trophy second-round clash, but will find himself managing from the opposite dugout to what he was once used to.
A bumper crowd with more than 1,000 away supporters is expected as just more than 13 miles separate the clubs.
Both sides are in fine form and sit second in their retrospective leagues as Phil Brown’s Kidderminster are unbeaten in eight National League North matches while Halesowen have won their last four Southern Central Premier games.
Asked if this win would mean more than others might, Penn said: “Yes, for sure, definitely.
“When people say no you don’t believe them, but of course it would.
“Half of the side at Kidderminster is players that I brought in so there’s a lot of relationships there.
“The ending more than 10 months ago was very mutual and respectful. There’s no hard feelings whatsoever. It will be nice to go back.
“I think that if we are able to come away with anything then it would really kickstart us going into the Christmas period. We will do everything we can to get through.”
The Yeltz boss attended Harriers’ emphatic 4-0 win over South Shields midweek to “see what they’re all about”.
Although, there is no doubt Penn will already be familiar with many of his former players who remained at Kidderminster after he departed.
Despite his side’s winning form, Penn believes there is no “good time” to face a side of Kidderminster’s quality.
“When you are coming up against a team like Kidderminster harriers I don’t think there is a good time, but with our form, there’s probably no better time to go into the game full of confidence and we will give it a right good go,” added Penn.
“It’s probably the toughest draw in the round.
“At the end of the day we have a job to do, it’s not about me, it’s not about the Russell Penn at Kidderminster harriers relationship, that will go on forever.
“When we go there I’m there for Halesowen, and there to try and win the game.
“We’re going to be backed by, what I’ve heard, more than 1200 fans which is fantastic.”
Meanwhile, Harriers boss Brown is relishing the opportunity to face-off with his predecessor.
“I think it’s going to be brilliant,” said Brown. “I love derby matches.
“The fans are going to turn up in their numbers. But, it’s not a case of supporting me or Russell Penn, it’s a case of supporting the team.
“I think Russell did a great job here, I have nothing but admiration for what he did at the club.
“He knows exactly what we’re going to do, and he’s going to try and stop us, so bring it on.”
Meanwhile, also in the FA Trophy, Rushall Olympic visit Royston Town, while in the Southern Central Premier, Stourbridge go to Banbury United.
