Stephen Ward says he will use the experiences gained over a career in club and international football to help guide Solihull Moors into the Football League.
The National League side on Monday confirmed the appointment of the 50-time capped former Ireland international as their new director of football.
One of Ward’s first jobs will be to appoint a manager, with assistant coach and former Northern Ireland international James Quinn currently in the interim role.
This is Ward’s second job since he hung up his boots at Walsall last year. He was most recently assistant manager at Brackley Town.
Ward (37) made almost 600 senior appearances between Bohemians, Wolves, Brighton, Burnley, Stoke, Ipswich and Walsall.
He said: “First of all, I am delighted to be here and get started in the role at Moors.
“After meeting the chairman, I was firstly very impressed by him and his vision for the club, along with the clear ambition to progress and achieve Football League status.
“I was impressed by the set up both at the stadium and the training ground in Studley, as well as the club’s ambition to be the best both on and off the pitch.
“I will use the knowledge that I have gained through my 20-year career, playing at the top level to help the Club move forward in its aspirations both on and off the pitch.”
Ward is currently studying for a degree in Sporting Directorship.
Moors Chairman Darryl Eales said: “Stephen will bring the highest standards of professionalism and work ethic to the club.
“Stephen is intelligent, articulate, well connected and well liked in the game and I look forward immensely to working with him.”
