Pemberton Needed To Take His Giant Managerial Step

The 54-year-old was confirmed as Kidderminster Harriers new manager late last week and has been speaking about the giant step he’s about to take.

He has done so much in the game and rarely been out of work, but one important thing has always been missing from his CV.

Until now, that is. It’s the end of the less intense academy and coaching lifestyle for Pemberton now - and he can’t wait to have a stab at a role he has “needed” for quite a while.

“I have been involved with a lot of big clubs. I have worked for my country on two levels but the role of manager is not one that I had on my CV,” he told the club’s YouTube channel.

“I have done it a number of times on an interim basis but I am under no illusions regarding what it’s going to be about.

“This was an opportunity I felt I needed, and that I wanted to take, it was something I didn’t want to turn down.

“I’ve got some old-school value, some good ideas and I have a track record of producing players.

“I don’t quite know what I have got to work with until it gets going. I have an idea of what it looks like, but it will require a little bit of patience but they will hopefully see a vibrant team who play some attractive football.”

He must wait to see if he will have striker Joe Ironside in his team in the National League North next season as he mulls over a new deal.

“I have spoken to Joe, he is a player I know well,” Pemberton added.

“He is obviously a good player and we have offered him what we think it a very good contract. He has had a few offers and we are now waiting on a decision from him.

“Hopefully it will be positive but if he gets the chance to play in the Football League then you have to respect that and say well done to everyone at Kidderminster.”