Dutchman departs Dales Lane

The Dutchman, a West Brom legend after seven years at the Baggies, was thanked by the Pics for his work on Monday after stepping down at Dales Lane ahead of their Walsall Senior Cup final, postponed and still be decided after their opponents Lichfield City withdrew.

After succeeding Neil Kitching two years ago, the 47-year-old leaves having secured the Staffordshire Senior Cup with a 4-1 victory over Kidsgrove Athletic at Vale Park and a 10th place finish to their top flight campaign after their final day win over champions Darlington.

A Pics spokesman said: "[Chairman John and [vice chairman] Nick Allen personally, and all of the committee at the club, would like to thank Richard for his hard work, skill and the integrity he brought to the club. We wish him well and look forward to welcoming him at Rushall Olympic Football Club in the future. Any announcements regarding a new management team will be made in due course."

In a statement confirming his departure, Sneekes, pictured, following his appointment, told fans he was looking for a fresh challenge and couldn't guarantee being able to give the post the dedication it deserved with his increasing work and business commitments.

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, 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."

Sneekes came through the famed academy at Ajax and broke into the Dutch club’s first team at the age of 16 to be managed by the legendary Johan Cruyff. A UEFA B licenced coach, he went on to play in midfield for a number of clubs in England, most notably Bolton, the Baggies, Stockport County and Hull before hanging up his boots in Non-League at Dudley after a short spell at Hinckley United.

After moving into management, Sneekes worked at Hereford and was assistant manager at Tamworth before teaming up with former Birmingham City star Dave Barnett as joint managers of Romulus in EVO-STIK NPL First Division South.

Image courtesy of www.expressandstar.com

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