Rushall Olympic sack boss as West Brom hero put in interim charge

Stevens was appointed in May following the departure of long-serving boss Liam McDonald but, despite performing heroics in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, has struggled for victories in league action.

The Pics are bottom of the pile in the second tier of non-league and eight points adrift of safety.

First-team coach Richard Sneekes, the former Baggies midfield favourite who previous managed the Pics a decade ago, has been placed in temporary charge alongside popular coach Steve Hinks and experienced former Walsall midfielder Sam Mantom, in a player-coach role.

Former Coalville Town boss Stevens last guided Rushall to a league success on October 5. Nine fixtures since have yielded just three points. Stevens' first-team analysist Kevin Bunting has also departed.

Rushall did contest an FA Cup first round tie for the first time in their history in that period - a 2-0 Dales Lane defeat to League Two side Accrington Stanley in front of a record attendance. The Pics are also in the third round of the FA Trophy and travel to Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday.

A club statement read: "It has been a really difficult decision as Adam is a man we have the utmost respect for, but one we feel we have to make in view of our Vanarama National League North status, our league points tally and current position. 

"We would like to thank Adam most sincerely for his hard work and great memories created in our historic runs to the Emirates FA Cup first round and the Isuzu FA Trophy third round this season and we wish him all the best for the future. Adam and his family will always be welcome here at Dales Lane."

The Pics have won three, drawn three and lost 13 from 19 league fixtures in their second season at National North level. They maintained their status with an impressive 19th-placed finish last term.

"We thank all of our supporters for their continued support and superb backing," the statement read. "They recognise that the challenge to maintain our step 2 status is a huge one for a club of our stature, but we will continue to give it our all and work incessantly to bring further progress and future success to our community football club."

Rushall travel to Hanley Town in the Staffordshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night before the FA Trophy tie in Lincolnshire on Saturday.