Chairman returning to dugout

The Pics chairman, pictured with Salford City co-owner Gary Neville last season, was unveiled on Monday as the EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division club's new manager and successor to Richard Sneekes following his exit last week.

Allen, who will be assisted by experienced former Northern Ireland international Bernard McNally, is no stranger to the dugout at Dales Lane having originally joined the club as manager back in September 1997 before moving upstairs into the boardroom.

His last full managerial season was back in 2005-06 when he guided his side to a 10th placed finish in their Southern League debut season and also lifted the Staffordshire Senior Cup with a 1-0 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Allen and McNally will be assisted by the well-respected Trevor Burroughs after the former Halesowen Town and Sutton Coldfield Town coach was named as first team coach.

UEFA Pro-Licence holder McNally has a wealth of experience in the game, both as a player with the likes of West Brom and Shrewsbury and also as a manager with AFC Telford United and Hednesford Town.

Former Ajax, Bolton and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Sneekes, pictured, stepped down after two years at the helm after securing the Staffordshire Senior Cup and a 10th place finish with a final day win over champions Darlington.

Images courtesy of Rushall Olympic

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