'Unfinished business' for former West Brom hero after being appointed at Rushall Olympic

The Dutchman has taken charge of Rushall on an interim basis since the departure of Adam Stevens on December 1,  and has now been confirmed as the new first team manager today. 

The former Albion midfielder will be joined by Steve Hinks and former Walsall favourite Sam Mantom in his coaching team.

The Pics sit rooted at the bottom of the National League North after 21 games, eight points from safety. But, after experiencing similar circumstances at Sutton Coldfield Town and having previously managed at Rushall nearly ten years ago, Sneekes is relishing the task at hand. 

"I am really pleased," said the Dutchman who represented Albion more than 220 times. "The circumstances are not great, but I was at the club ten years ago and had two successful seasons there, I feel like there is some unfinished business.

"It is a precarious situation and we are going to give it everything we have got to get out of it.

"Sam has got a wealth of experience as a player at a very good level and has played many games in the league. He is putting his feet under the table as to what coaching entails. 

"He doesn’t want to stop playing, and when he is back fit he will be a player/coach.

"There is a lot more to it though when you are just a player. I am looking forward to getting the best out of him.

"I have worked with Steve Hinks for the last 12 years, I know him inside out and he knows me inside and out. We will compliment each other well, so it’s really good.

"We have got a good group of people with different attributes that will hopefully get us in the right direction."

Since Sneekes stepped into the vacant managerial role on an interim basis, he has overseen three losses including a 7-0 thrashing by South Shields.

Rushall visit seventh-placed Chorley on Saturday before welcoming Oxford City to Dales Lane on Boxing Day.

Vice-Chairman at Rushall Olympic, Nick Allen said: "We have made the decision to appoint Richard, Steve and Sam as we feel that they are the best team in our current circumstances.

"They bring a local feel, an understanding of our squad and the DNA of our club and are best-placed for the extremely difficult challenge we face.

"This will draw a definite line under recent speculation and we ask everyone to give our new management team their passionate support as always. 

"We now call for everyone to work together as we head into the busy festive period."