Joining Russ at the helm is former Walsall defender James O'Connor, who has also been in temporary charge of the team for some time as the club continues to go through a lengthy period of transition.
O'Connor, who made over 120 appearances in a Saddlers shirt, has formed part of the Harriers' management/ coaching set-up since replacing manager Mark Yates on a caretaker basis before retiring from playing to focus on management.
News, released via Kidderminster's official website, confirms; Interim Chief Executive Neil Male has today confirmed the permanent appointment of Russ Penn as the club’s Manager and Jimmy O’Connor as Assistant Manager.
Given the lack of continuity the club and its fans have endured in recent seasons and the general uncertainty surrounding the game in general at present, the Board feels it is vital to offer everyone some stability with an eye for the future.
As such, Russ and Jimmy have been appointed to their roles for the next two seasons, during which time it is expected that the club and the team to succeed and thrive under stable leadership on and off the field.
As players, Russ and Jimmy have more than 1,000 matches under their belt combined, accumulating vast experience of not only the EFL but, most crucially, non-league football as well.
In a short space of time, the two also demonstrated their managerial capabilities, working together for the latter part of the 2019/20 season to get results, and bring back some of the club’s feelgood factor. The Board are wholly confident they are the right people to continue to do this in the future.
Harriers' interim Chief Executive Neil Male said; "Both Richard Lane and I want stability for the club.
"Having had more than five managers in 18 months, there’s a need to put in foundations and build something powerful for the future – Jimmy and Russ have our full backing to do that.
"I’ve personally seen Russ develop and grow in stature during his spell as Interim Manager and, with the support of a vital figure in Jimmy, I know they are the people who can bring success back to Kidderminster Harriers with their extensive experience and contacts at this level."
James added; "Russ and I have built up an excellent working relationship over the last 18 months in some difficult circumstances, and I’m excited to be working with him going forward.
"I know that we share the same vision, passion, and ambition to help drive this fantastic club forward. We want to reward the faith Richard and Neil have shown in us, and the best way to do that is by bringing success back to Kidderminster Harriers."