SOLIHULL Moors have appointed former defender Richard Stearman as first team coach following his retirement from professional football.
Stearman will work alongside Moors boss Andy Whing, Craig Pead and Kevin Poole in the dugout at Damson Park next season.
He will also provide support to Mike Fowler within the club’s elite academy setup.
Stearman said: “I’m really excited to be taking on this role. I got some great experience last year as a player/coach.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and for how much the gaffer and the coaching staff enabled me to do last season. It was great to learn from them. But now it feels like it’s the right time to go into coaching full-time
“I’d like to thank the gaffer, Wardy and Darryl (Eales) for helping me continue my next chapter.
“I’m delighted to get started and looking forward to the season ahead. Last season didn’t end how we wanted it to, but I’m relishing the challenge.”
Whing added: “I’m absolutely delighted to have Stears as part of our coaching team.
“His experience and knowledge will be invaluable for me and Peady plus the players who have a massive respect for him after sharing a dressing room with last season.
“I also want to congratulate him on a fantastic career and everyone you speak to only have good words to say which is a credit to him.
“We now benefit having Stears around with us day to day and it will definitely improve us as a team.”
The 36-year-old made 27 appearances for Moors in all competitions last season.
