Richard Sneekes

Ajax and Fortuna Sittard

Sneekes started as a Youth player at amateur club DWS and went to Ajax Amsterdam at the age of 14, he made 22 appearances for Netherlands National Schoolboys. He made his debut for Ajax at the age of 16, and broke through into the Netherlands U21 team, but never quite fulfilled his potential for the club and was transferred out at the age of 21. After a short spell at Volendam Sneekes signed for Fortuna Sittard and spent four years at the club after which he moved to FC Locarno in Switzerland before being transferred to England.

Bolton Wanderers

Sneekes first came to prominence in England when he signed for Bolton Wanderers in August 1994 for £200,000. He was part of their team that won promotion to the Premier League that season. Bolton struggled in the Premier League and he was transferred shortly before the end of the season. Whilst at Bolton he played in the 1995 Football League Cup Final.

West Bromwich Albion

Alan Buckley signed the Dutchman for West Bromwich Albion in March 1996 for £400,000. Despite Buckley claiming it would be a while before he made any difference, Sneekes almost immediately became a cult hero at The Hawthorns. Sneekes was an overnight sensation, and many of the Baggies crowd took to wearing long blond wigs - even the club shop was selling them. Sneekes finished his first season with ten goals from thirteen games, arguably for some Albion fans saving them from relegation. Sneekes spent seven…

On 29 May 2010, Sneekes was announced as an assistant Academy Coach to Dale Belford where he will be developing Tamworth youth talent. At 11:15am, 4 July 2011, Sneekes was announced as a First Team Coach at League Two Hereford United, in order to fill the gap left by Dave Kevan who left for Stoke City. It is said that he will look encourage "nice attractive football". He left the club once his contract expired at the end of June. On 15 May 2014, Sneekes was unveiled as the new manager of Rushall Olympic. This is Sneekes first solo role as manager of a senior club. He will be assisted by Steve Hinks, with CB radio support from Daryl Burgess. In November 2016 he was named as the new manager of Sutton Coldfield Town, replacing Neil Tooth. In December 2024, having been appointed interim manager following the sacking of Adam Stevens, Sneekes was appointed permanent manager of National League North bottom side Rushall Olympic for a second spell. Having been unable to prevent the club from relegation, he stepped down from his role as manager and became technical advisor.

Bolton Wanderers

Football League Cup runner-up: 1994–95