Ex-West Brom man Richard Sneekes appointed Rushall Olympic manager
Richard Sneekes was today announced as Rushall Olympic's new manager.
The 45-year-old former Albion midfielder takes charge of the Evo-Stik Premier Division club with Steve Hinks following the departure of boss Neil Kitching and assistant Nick Amos.
Dutchman Sneekes has recently been managing at the level below at Evo-Stik Division South club Romulus with former Birmingham City player Dave Barnett, finishing 11th this season.
The ex-Ajax and Bolton playmaker, who scored 32 goals in 254 games for the Baggies from 1996-2001, has previous experience as first-team coach at Hereford, assistant academy manager at Tamworth with Hinks.
Sneekes has also been co-ordinating his own coaching company, combining the role as a football pundit on local radio phone-ins.
Chairman John Allen said: "Richard is determined to succeed and really looking forward to the opportunity at Evo-Stik Premier Division level to instil his footballing philosophies.
"He lives locally, has developed many contacts and has spent time to broaden his experience of local non-league football, as well as coming with a reputation as a fine coach."
Walsall-based Hinks finished the campaign at fellow Evo-Stik Premier Division club Barwell, helping them to 14th after banishing relegation fears.
Hinks has a wealth of coaching experience locally with clubs such as Great Wyrley, Walsalll Wood and Stapenhill among others.
"Steve will bring a real local feel to what we're trying to achieve at Rushall," added Allen.
"He's also highly regarded as a coach and has many contacts within Midlands' non-League football and a vast knowledge of players in the area.
"We have a tough challenge with change coming after three successive top-eight finishes."