BROMSGROVE Sporting’s new assistant manager Adam Cunningham says he is excited by the opportunity of working under Paul Smith ahead of their pre-season preparations.
Cunningham joins up with the Rouslers boss after leaving his role as first team manager from fellow Midland League Division One club Stafford Town.
The former West Bromwich Albion youth player’s appointment comes after Smith was dealt a bombshell last month when Martin Sockett and Nick Smith announced they would be departing the Rouslers.
Sockett, who lives in Bedford and now works in Northampton, felt travelling to and from Bromsgrove would be too much while Nick departed to take a break from football.
Cunningham has a wealth of managerial experience having taken up roles with Eccleshall, Brocton, Wyrley as well as Stone Old Alleynians and he told the Standard an opportunity to be a part of Bromsgrove Sporting is something he’s always wished for.
“My dad Sylvester – also known as ‘Sylvo’ – played for Bromsgrove Rovers when they were in the Conference so I used to go watch them play and it really appealed to me,” he said.
“It’s a massive opportunity to be involved with a club which has big ambitions.
“I’ve known Paul for a very long time and I’m looking forward to learning from him and being around great players with great prospects.
“First and foremost I need to sit back and learn how to assist Paul, who has a wealth of experience, and think what aspects I can bring to the club.
“I’ve been in the Midland League for four years now so I’ve got a lot of knowledge of the players but I’ve also got a catalogue of player contacts from a different catchment area so if Paul needs players, hopefully I can attract them to Bromsgrove.
“I’ve always wished to be a part of a club like Bromsgrove and hopefully we can secure promotion next season.”
After being rocked by the departure of Martin and Nick, Rouslers boss Smith said he is looking forward to working with Cunningham next season.
“I’m very pleased to have Adam on board,” he said. “I’ve interviewed seven people for the role and until now, out of those seven, Adam fitted the bill of the person I was after.
“I met him for a second time and again he ticked all the boxes so I’m very much looking forward to having him help me in all sorts of formats at Bromsgrove.
“He’s got plenty of experience of different levels of football as a player, manager and assistant manager so it will put him in good stead.
“I’m still on the look-out for my third managerial member but I’ve got a few meetings lined up so hopefully we can announce something soon.”
