McDonald returns as new Pics boss

The 32-year-old, who left the National League's Moors at the start of the October, was named on Monday as the successor to Wayne Thomas at Dales Lane. The former Worcester City, Hednesford Town, Barwell, Kettering Town and Tamworth midfielder, pictured, will be assisted by Nick Green, David Bridgwater and current Pics coach Trevor Burroughs.

Burroughs, who's been caretaking with Pics chairman John Allen since the departure of Thomas last week, will take charge for the last time on Tuesday night at Hednesford Town in the Integro League Cup before McDonald takes the helm on Saturday for arrival of Marine in the EVO-STIK League's top flight.

Considered one of the brightest young coaching talents in the Non-League game since hanging up his playing boots at the age of 27, McDonald turned Redditch United into promotion candidates in the EVO-STIK Southern's Premier Division, guiding the club to the runners-up spot in 2015-16 before missing out on promotion via the play-offs.

After a spell at Hednesford Town last term taking the Pitmen to the top of the table in the EVO-STIK League Premier Division before Christmas, the new Pics boss moved on to keep Solihull Moors in the top flight of Non-League.

McDonald told Pics fans he is relishing his new challenge back in the EVO-STIK League in a 5pm statement confirming his appointment. "It' nice to get straight back in and I can't wait to get started," said the new manager.

"This is a good, well-run football club and I'll be working with an exciting group of young players that I will be looking to develop. It's a challenge that I face with relish and I feel that I can get the club moving up the table. I have a lot of respect for the chairman [John Allen]. He's been in the game a long time and I am looking to forward to working with him for the first time.

"I was preparing to take a break from football to be honest but I had a really positive conversation with the chairman and watched the recent game against Barwell. As I was travelling home I knew straight away that this was the place that I wanted to be and somewhere I can make an impact."

He added: "I firmly believe that my coaching staff and I can add something to what is already here. It's a new group of players for us to work with and we are excited by the prospect."

Rushall Olympic vice-chairman Nick Allen said: "We are very excited about this appointment. Liam is a young, ambitious and successful manager who is well respected and connected. He has built squads at this level during his time at Redditch United and Hednesford Town that have been challenging amongst the contenders, whilst also keeping Solihull Moors in the National League last season.

"These are factors that stood out for us. He is a positive character who has a reputation for working with young, talented players and we feel that he is the right man to take the club forward. We are delighted to have him and his managerial team on board."

Image courtesy of Rushall Olympic

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