We kick-off a new study for the summer months when we’ll take a closer look at each of the new clubs joining us in National League North for 2023/24 – and today we’re off to the West Midlands.
How did they get here?
Rushall Olympic secured their promotion to National League North in dramatic fashion with a penalty shootout triumph over Nuneaton Borough in the Play-Off Final.
The Pics finished sixth in the Southern Premier League Central Division and negotiated their way past Coalville in the play-off semi-finals before clinching their elevation on penalties at Nuneaton.
It was a surprise result in some ways because Nuneaton had finished six points better off than Rushall but a crowd of almost 4,000 saw them prevail on spot-kicks after the game finished goalless.
The glory of promotion means that 2023/24 will be the first time in the club’s history that they have plied their trade in the second tier of non-league football.
Where do they play?
Rushall Olympic play their home games at Dale Lane. It has been their base since it was opened in August 1977 and has been subject to many developments over the years.
The Pics say there’s a guaranteed warm welcome for all visiting fans who will be welcome in the Clubhouse and free to enjoy hot food and snacks from their refreshment kiosks.
Who is in charge?
Liam McDonald has been the boss at Rushall Olympic for almost six years having taken the reins in October 2017 and overseen good progress during the time since.
Previously he’s spent time in charge at Hednesford Town and Solihull Moors signed an extension in the summer of 2021 to help the club kick-on after the interruption caused by the pandemic.
When did we last meet?
Our last meeting with Rushall Olympic came during the 2016/17 campaign when the two clubs shared the Northern Premier League.
The game at The Brewery Field in April 2017 finished 1-1 but Moors’ last trip to Dale Lane the previous September resulted in a brilliant 5-1 victory.