Rock-bottom Royals sack Sneekes

The former Romulus and Rushall Olympic boss, pictured, and his number two Steve Hinks were relieved of their duties at Coles Lane after a late penalty saw the rock-bottom Royals lose 4-3 at home to the Pics.

Appointed in November 2016 as the successor to Neil Tooth, former Ajax, Bolton and West Bromwich Albion midfielder Sneekes and Hinks were thanked by the Royals for their work at the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club in a statement announcing their departures after just over two years at the helm.

Hinks is set to stay on as the club's academy manager and @SCTFC tweeted: "With regret the board has decided to relieve the management team of their duties. Richard Sneekes and Steve Hinks depart with our best wishes and thanks for their efforts. We hope to make an announcement about a new manager in the next few days."

Dutchman Sneekes came through the famed academy at Ajax and broke into the club’s first team at the age of 16 and playing for late legend 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.

Royals supporters also sent their thanks to Sneekes after the news broke, @SCTFC_ULTRAS tweeting: "On the news that @SCTFC have parted company with the management team we want to express our best wishes to Richard and Steve and good luck for the future #ultralove"

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