Adam Murray takes up role as new Barrow AFC manager
The news comes days after the 44-year-old led Kidderminster Harriers to promotion back to the National League following a win in Saturday's National League North play-off final
Last updated 12th May 2026
Barrow AFC have this evening (12 May) announced Adam Murray as their new first team manager.
The club have confirmed the 44-year-old has signed a contract which runs through to 2028.
Murray joins after leaving his position as Kidderminster Harriers boss, his appointment coming only days after he led Harriers to a 2-0 win over in Saturday's National League North play-off final to seal promotion back to the National League.
Both teams are set to face each other in the upcoming National League 2026/27 season following Harriers' promotion and Barrow suffering relegation after finishing bottom of League Two.
Speaking to the club's website about Murray's arrival, Barrow AFC chairman Paul Hornby said: “I’m delighted to welcome Adam to the club and can’t wait to see him get started.
“We as the board identified Adam as a target early due to his track record, current performances, and philosophy.
“We had to bide our time, due to his success with Kidderminster this season which extended into the post-season games but are really pleased to be able to have him on board.
“He’s a young, hungry manager but already has a whole range of experiences in England and in Europe including two promotions into the National League in the last four years.
“We also spoke to people within the game who couldn’t speak highly enough of him as a manager and as a person which speaks volumes of him as an individual.
“Our ambitions and beliefs for this season align and that culture and togetherness is going to be such a key factor this season and myself and the board are really excited for the year ahead.”
Harriers had said earlier on the club's website Murray's departure came following an approach from another club, in which shortly after the weekend’s final, a club presently in the EFL met a release clause within Murray's contract to discuss their vacancy.
It added, Murray, who took up the role last May, had "expressed a desire" to pursue it.
In a statement through the club, Harriers chairman Richard Lane said: "Adam has been very open and honest with me since the weekend. While he was a year into a two-year contract and a project with us here, I fully respect that, given the overall financial package on offer, he feels it is an opportunity for him and his family that he cannot turn down.
“While the timing is unfortunate following such a fantastic end to the season, I am sure we all wish Adam nothing but the best for his future.
“At this time and always, our priority is on our fantastic club and its fans; our focus now is on moving quickly with a managerial appointment that will lead us into a new chapter in our history after promotion.”
In a message to the fans, he added: "Collectively, we have achieved something amazing this season and I want those memories to stay fresh in the minds of our supporters and sponsors, who backed us so incredibly, particularly in those final months of the season.
“We have every cause to celebrate, and we will move forward with nothing but positivity and excitement for our next challenge.”