STUART Watkiss admits he finds it strange to be back at Kidderminster Harriers more than two decades after he managed the club in League Two.
Watkiss returned to Aggborough as assistant manager to boss Adam Murray earlier this week, following spells in India and Bangladesh.
He assisted Murray at Eastbourne Borough from January to November 2024 as the pair helped keep the club in the National League South before overseeing a promotion charge the following campaign.
And Watkiss, who took charge of Kidderminster during the club’s most recent stint as a Football League club, admits his spell in the dugout at Aggborough was the most difficult period of his career as a coach.
Watkiss said: “It’s a little bit strange being back but it’s good to be back.
“It’s been the best part of 20 years since I was here last. I’ve been here, there and everywhere in-between.
“It was arguably the toughest 12 months of my footballing career [when I was last here].
“The club and the team just find themselves in a position where a couple of results changes the outlook completely.
“We’ve got to believe and look towards the top of the league and that promotion push that everybody wants.
“But it’s tough. Nothing is a given in football. You have to go and earn it and that’s what we’ve got to do.”
Watkiss and Murray’s relationship dates back to February 2002 when the former signed the latter on loan when in charge of Mansfield Town.
The pair achieved promotion out of Division Three as loanee Murray scored seven goals in 13 appearances to help the Stags to a top-three finish.
And Watkiss hopes to provide Murray with another opinion as the duo hope to bring success to Harriers this season.
Watkiss added: “I know the football club and I know Adam really well. I signed him as an 18-year-old when I was manager at Mansfield.
“I had the chance to work with Adam down at Eastbourne for the best part of 12 months.
“I was massively impressed with him. He’s a really good coach, a good lad and a good person.
“The last couple of weeks has not been ideal and not gone the way the football club would want.
“I’m here to give it another eye, another opinion and to help in any way, shape or form that I can.”
