REDDITCH United go into Saturday’s Southern Premier Central opener at home to Needham Market buoyed by the arrival of former West Bromwich Albion star Richard Sneekes as assistant manager.
New Reds boss and former Albion player Matt Clarke has wasted little time in appointing his number two and is clearly keen to use his contacts to maximum effect.
Ex-Ajax and Bolton playmaker Sneekes, who scored 32 goals in 254 games for the Baggies between 1996-2001, has previous experience as first team coach at Hereford United, manager of Rushall Olympic and has also spent time at Tamworth and Romulus.
Clarke said: “To have someone with Sneekes’ experience with us at the club will really add to what we do and will be a massive help to me on the sidelines and in the dressing room.”
Meanwhile, close season forward recruits Dan Sweeney – who sustained an injury which will keep him out of action until the new year – and Kyle Perry have both announced their departures from the Reds without playing competitively for the club (Sweeney had a previous spell at the club).
However, goalkeeper Kieran Boucher – who enjoyed a fine spell with Redditch last season – has returned to the Trico Stadium.
United have been drawn to face North West Counties League Premier Division outfit Hanley Town in the FA Cup first qualifying round on Tuesday, September 22.
The Reds will head to the Potteries chasing £2,250 in prize money from the tie, which will go straight to penalties in the event of a draw.
