20 Facts About Russell Penn

Russell Anthony Penn was born on 8 November 1985 and is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Russell Penn was appointed interim manager of National League North club Kidderminster Harriers in 2019 and was appointed as permanent manager in 2020.

Russell Penn joined the youth system at Kidderminster Harriers in March 2002, and appeared in one youth team match against Wellington on 7 March before joining Scunthorpe United's youth system in July 2002.

Russell Penn returned to Kidderminster Harriers on a free transfer in the summer of 2005; he had a short spell on loan at Alvechurch before breaking into the Kidderminster team.

Russell Penn joined newly promoted League Two club Burton Albion on 9 July 2009 on a two-year contract, for an undisclosed fee thought to be a club record.

Russell Penn signed for League Two club Cheltenham Town on 23 May 2011 on a two-year contract, after he rejected a new contract with Burton.

Russell Penn scored his first goal for Cheltenham in an FA Cup second-round match away at Luton Town in December 2011, followed quickly by his second goal a week later in a home League Two match against Southend United.

Russell Penn signed for Cheltenham's League Two rivals York City on 6 January 2014 on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Russell Penn turned down a new contract with York to join League Two club Carlisle United on 27 May 2016 on a one-year contract.

On 22 September 2016, Russell Penn joined National League club Gateshead on a one-month loan until 25 October, having only made two appearances for Carlisle.

Russell Penn rejoined Gateshead on 11 May 2017 on a one-year contract, after turning down a new contract with Wrexham because of family reasons.

Russell Penn re-signed for National League North club York City on 8 May 2018.

When Shan departed to Solihull Moors on 11 February 2020, Russell Penn was made manager of the club.

Russell Penn was awarded the National League North Manager of the Month award for November 2021 after three league wins from three as well as success in the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

Russell Penn won the award again for January 2022 after winning more points than anyone else across the course of the month as well as defeating Championship side Reading in the FA Cup third round.

On 5 February 2022, Russell Penn saw his side take the lead against Premier League side West Ham United before a 91st-minute equaliser from Declan Rice took the game to extra time where Jarrod Bowen scored in the last minute to avoid a massive shock.

Russell Penn bolstered his squad mid season, signing the likes of Christian Dibble, Kyle Morison and Joe Leesley.

Russell Penn parted company with Harriers in January 2024 with the club bottom of the National League, having won 4 of their 28 league matches.

On 27 February 2024 it was announced that Russell Penn was back in football management, this time at Halesowen Town.

Russell Penn was capped eight times by England C, scoring one goal, from 2007 to 2009.