Richard Sneekes

Sneekes started as a Youth player at Ajax Amsterdam, and 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.

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.

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 seasons at West Brom before finally being transferred at the start of the 2001–02 season. After Sneekes' retirement in 2007, he went on to captain West Bromwich Albion in the Midlands 'Masters' and has done so ever since. He scored in the 2008 and 2011 tournaments.

He moved to Stockport County on a free transfer in September 2001,[1] but stayed just two months[2] before a move to Hull City. That move also didn't work out and he left the latter club in May 2002.[3] A further year was spent with Danish club Herfølge BK, before retiring from the professional game at the age of 34.

Sneekes was convinced to come out of retirement following a chance meeting with Hinckley United manager Dean Thomas, at the Hong Kong Sixes tournament in July 2007. Sneekes initially trained with the Conference North club, but then decided to sign for them. However his debut was put on hold as his International Clearance was sought after last playing in Denmark.[4] He eventually made his debut in Hinckley's 4-2 FA Cup win over Grantham Town in September 2007. However, a disastrous start for Hinckley United in the league meant that Sneekes was released, after playing only three games for the club, in October 2007.[5] Sneekes immediately went back into retirement, saying "The fact that I was not really enjoying it meant that it became too much of a chore to do it".[6]

On Monday 27 September 2010, it was revealed in local newspapers that Richard Sneekes had signed for Dudley Town, who play in the West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division. Richard Sneekes' son, Giorgio also signed for the club in the 2010/2011 season.[7] Richard made his debut in Dudley's 2–2 draw at Shifnal Town on 5 October 2010.