Blue Square Premier club Kettering Town have announced the appointment of Lee Harper as player-manager, initially until the end of the current season.
Poppies chairman Imraan Ladak has released the following statement: “We have known for quite some time that Lee Harper would be a future manager of Kettering Town and although the opportunity has arisen earlier than expected, I am absolutely convinced that Lee is the outstanding choice to continue the incredible progress we made over the last two years with Mark Cooper.
“Lee has been a major part of our achievements on and off the field, especially in relation to our defensive and organisational successes and is hugely respected by the players, supporters and officials of Kettering Town. He has worked under a host of outstanding managers, including George Graham, Arsene Wenger, Gerry Francis, Colin Calderwood, and Mark Cooper, and having played in each of the first 6 tiers of English football, his knowledge and experience provides an excellent foundation to build upon.
“In addition to the experience and qualities that Lee possesses, his understanding and knowledge of our club and players, at such an important time for the club, give him an advantage which no externally appointed manager could ever match.
“The club has worked very hard to get to the position we are in and despite the departures of Mark and Nicky Eaden, strongly believes we need to maintain as much stability as possible.
“I am sure every Poppies supporter will join me in wishing our outgoing and incoming managers the very best for the future as they both deserve our eternal support and gratitude for their incredible achievements since August 2007.”
