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Solihull appoint ex-Leicester, Wolves, Ipswich, Fulham, Sheff Utd, Huddersfield, Derby player

Solihull appoint ex-Leicester, Wolves, Ipswich, Fulham, Sheff Utd, Huddersfield, Derby player Richard Stearman who just retired from playing.

It’s been confirmed that the 36 year old has becoming the Moors’ new First Team Coach ahead of the 2024/25 season, in which they’re tipped to finish in the National League playoff places after losing to Bromley in the final.

Stearman, who was known for his versatility as a defender, but could play in various defensive positions, although mainly operated as a centre half or right back, spent a significant portion of his career to Leicester City and Wolves.

Stearman began his career at Leicester City, through the academy in 1998 and got into the senior team in 2004.

Subsequently, he transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008, remaining with them for seven years, including a loan stint at Ipswich Town in 2013.

In 2015, Stearman moved to Fulham, where he stayed until 2017, but also returned to Molineux on loan during the 2016–17 season.

Following his time at Fulham, Stearman signed for Sheffield United in 2017, then after his release from United in January 2020, he signed with Huddersfield Town, where he remained until June 2021.

Stearman’s journey continued as he joined Derby County in August 2021, spending two years with the club before being released in May 2023.

Subsequently, in August 2023, he signed with Solihull Moors but was released in May 2024.

He said upon retiring: “As players we all know that this day will eventually come. However, it has always somehow seemed in the future. That another season playing will just happen, as that’s what we do.

“Well for me that day has now arrived. After 20 years and nearly 600 appearances I am announcing my retirement from professional football.

“Reflecting on my career I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to have represented the clubs I have. Thank you to all the managers, coaches, general members of staff and my agent tam. Without you guys none of it would have been possible.

“To my teammates, thank you. On a day to day basis you have made coming into work an absolute joy. We have shared extreme highs and lows together and I am lucky enough to call many of you friends for life. In truth you guys are what I will miss the most.

“To the fans. Thank you for your continued support throughout. As covid proved, the game is a shadow of itself without you. I feel grateful to have built a special bond with many of you. Please know I have loved my time at each one of your clubs. I am and will continue to be a fan of them all.

“To my parents and sister. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough. Your endless sacrifices have made it possible for me to live my dream. I hope I have made you proud.

“Lastly to my incredible wife beth. My biggest supporter through the good times and bad. You have given me three beautiful children for which I am eternally grateful for. Your love and support has meant the world to me. Our family is my greatest achievement. – Stears”

CLUB STATEMENT:

Richard Stearman appointed as First Team Coach following retirement from professional football.

Richard Stearman has joined the coaching ranks at Solihull Moors, working alongside Andy Whing, Craig Pead and Kevin Poole in the dugout at Damson Park.

Not only that, but the former Premier League defender will also provide support to Mike Fowler within the Elite Academy setup.

Upon joining the coaching staff, 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!”

Prior to his retirement from the sport, the 36-year-old turned out 27 times competitively in yellow & blue whilst also being a rock at the back during our 14-game unbeaten run at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.

Head Coach, Andy 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.”

HIS CAREER:

Youth
1998–2004 – Leicester City

Senior career
2004–2008 – Leicester City – 130 games (11 goals)
2008–2015 – Wolverhampton Wanderers – 254 games (7 goals)
2013 → Ipswich Town (loan) – 15 games
2015–2017 – Fulham – 32 games
2016–2017 → Wolverhampton Wanderers (loan) – 18 games
2017–2020 – Sheffield United – 50 games (4 goals)
2020–2021 – Huddersfield Town – 38 games
2021–2023 – Derby County – 31 games
2023–2024 – Solihull Moors – 27 games

International
2003 – England U16 – 3 games
2004 – England U17 – 9 games
2005 – England U19 – 1 game
2008–2009 – England U21 – 4 games

Honours

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Football League Championship: 2008–09
Football League One: 2013–14

Sheffield United
EFL Championship second-place promotion: 2018–19

Solihull Moors
FA Trophy runner-up: 2023–24

Individual
Leicester City Player of the Year: 2007–08
Leicester City Players’ Player of the Year: 2007–08
PFA Team of the Year: 2008–09 Championship
Wolverhampton Wanderers Player of the Year: 2014–15

Twitter users reacted as Solihull appoint the ex-Leicester, Wolves, Ipswich, Fulham, Sheff Utd, Huddersfield, Derby player…

@Ewan_Valentine: Nice one, Steargoat, best of luck!

@GesLakin: Great pro. Sure to make a great manager. Please DM me, would love to get a story out to wolves fans having a closer look at this. Still an endearing character at Mol is stears and many will watch his managerial career with interest.

@ewan_smfc: Class appointment

@DavidBarker33: Love this so much, just brilliant news!

@C8JP8S: Up the Stears, all the best to him in his new career role.

@marktheram7: Congratulations, Steargoat. All the best.

@mrsfayesmith: Fantastic news!

@HeatherMartinD2: This is brilliant!! So so pleased to see this, he was clearly doing a fantastic job last season with this and was gutted to think he was leaving. 💛💙💛💙 Absolutely beautiful

@Camthefrogg: STEARSSSS 💛💛💛

@Rp4wolves: Fear the beard!

@jimmyram18846: All the best @the_stears

@JoshuaK44640227: Get in stears 💙💛

@RobPlews1: Congratulations @the_stears good luck in your new role.

@gill_frost: Good luck with things going forward, you will always be remembered with great fondness for your time at Derby 🐏

@AshWWoolford: Good luck in retirement @the_stears. Came to Fulham at a difficult time for the club ultimately left with us in a much healthier place and although a short stay was great to have had you part of our club. Good luck in what ever you do next

@SteveGa66766001: Top pro Stears. Won’t forget what you did in the Rams hour of need on and off the pitch.

@Wolvesjpn: All the best Stears 😍😍

@DemBlades1889: Congratulations on a great career. All the best for the future, Stears. ⚔️

@Gmcrosland: Best wishes for what comes next Stears, thank you for representing the blue & white of Huddersfield Town and your incredible professionalism and commitment to the cause. 🍻

@scott_tof: Enjoy retirement big man. Absolute class for the blades when called on… will always be a legend for the celebrations and getting absolutely stearmaned

@Smithy9185: Thanks for the memories Stears. Proper professional and always gave it everything in a Wolves shirt. Can’t ask for anything more as a supporter. All the best for the future 🧡🖤

@Janderson1394: Was a pleasure watching you play for the wolves for many years, the amount of times you’d be on the charge passed midfield 😂

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