RUSHALL Olympic have named a new managerial team following Richard Sneekes stepping down to take on the role of Technical Advisor at the club.
The Pics’ new first team manager will be Ian Long – who will bw joined by long-time assistant, Richard Colwell as assistant manager.
A former Pics’ player, Long has gone on to become a well-respected manager on the local football scene for his work with Tividale, Alvechurch, Stourbridge and Walsall Wood, where.
Long will take the reins following Rushall’s relegation from National League North this season.
He said: “I want to put smiles on faces again.
“It’s been a tough season at a tough level, but Imm relishing the opportunity that stands before me here.
“It’s a special club where I really enjoyed my time as a player and made some lasting friendships.
“The place has come on a bundle, you only have to look around Dales Lane to see how John and Nick Allen have built things up here, but at the heart of it all it remains a community-focussed, family club who go about things the right way.
“There is a lot of work to be done and it’s going to be a busy time, but it’s a challenge that both Richard and I take on with determination, excitement and just a little bit of trepidation.
“We’ll be looking to implement an attractive style of play; something we’ve done at our previous clubs but haven’t always had the playing surfaces to be able to carry it out to its fullest effect.
“It was 2003 when I last played here. There have been a couple of occasions since then when I’ve been close to returning as manager, but it’s not happened for one reason or another. Now the time is right and I can’t wait to get started.
“First and foremost we need to stabilise things; rebuilding always takes time and we’re honest enough to admit that we won’t get everything spot on straight away, but we’ll put foundations in place that we can build on and ultimately get this club playing at the highest level possible.
“We thank the Board for giving us this opportunity and look forward to working closely with the supporters and wonderful people who are involved behind-the-scenes at the club.”
Pics’ Vice-Chairman, Nick Allen, commented: “We are delighted that Ian is joining our club as First Team Manager. JA and I are long-term admirers of the entertaining and tactically bright teams that Ian and Richard have built over the years and the time is now right for them to join our club.
“Our supporters will enjoy the way that they see the game, their footballing philosophy and their ‘hearts on their sleeve’ approach to the common cause.
“It’s time to reset with a clean slate and build for our next adventure at a different level that our new Management Team know so well. JA and I go back a long way with Ian, years before he was a well-loved player at The Pics and he is a passionate character who understands the fabric of our special club, which is really important, and also the traditional standards, disciplines and community ethos that the success of our club has been built upon.”
Sneekes said: “I would like to thank everyone involved with the club for the support that they have given to me over the past five months.
“We have given everything to try and survive at what is a tough level, but ultimately it was not to be.
“As we look to rebuild the club on the pitch and continue the fantastic progression off the field, I am excited and honoured to take on a more technical role at a club that means so much to me.
“I want to be able to use my experience to help the club reset and come back stronger, working alongside some equally passionate and determined people.
“To the board, staff, players and supporters, I thank you most sincerely for the backing that I received as manager and now I look forward to getting stuck all been hugely dedicated and worked diligently on behalf of our club, for which we thank them all.”
