Richard Sneekes steps down as Rushall Olympic boss

Pic: Rushall Olympic FC

RICHARD SNEEKES has stepped down as manager of Rushall Olympic following two years in charge after claiming he had taken the club as far as he could.

The former Ajax, West Brom and Bolton midfielder replaced long-serving Neil Kitching in May 2014 and further consolidated the Pics in the Evo-Stik NPL Premier.

The club finished ninth in Sneekes’ first season in charge before ending up tenth this term while also enjoying success in cup competitions.

They won the Staffordshire Senior Cup against Kidsgrove Athletic at the end of April and are set to face Lichfield City in the Walsall Senior Cup final.

Despite two positive campaigns, Sneekes, who came through the famous Ajax academy before coming to England to play for Bolton and then West Brom, has decided to walk away from the West Midlands club.

He said: “I would like to thank everybody at Rushall for two great seasons. I’ve been given the opportunity to manage a good club at a good Non-League level by John and Nick Allen and the board and I’ve really enjoyed working with the players and my staff.

“I’m stepping down as I think I’ve taken the team as far as I can under the current circumstances and will be looking forward to a fresh challenge next season.”

The Pics’ vice-chairman Nick Allen added: “Over the past two seasons, Richard had a major personal impact on the career of many young and experienced players, such as Aaron Williams, who has since moved back into professional football at League One club Peterborough United.

“The recently completed 2015-16 season has seen the Pics finish tenth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, a position secured following a fine home victory in the final league game against champions elect, Darlington 1883.

“The club also secured the Staffordshire Senior Cup in a 4-1 victory against Kidsgrove Athletic at Vale Park and reached the final of the Walsall Senior Cup against Lichfield City, a final still without a confirmed conclusion after our opponent’s withdrawal.

“All of the committee at the club would like to thank Richard for his hard work, skill and integrity he brought to the club and wish him well and look forward to welcoming him at Rushall Olympic Football Club in the future.”