New Manager: David Noble

Wealdstone Football Club Announces David Noble as our new Manager

Wealdstone Football Club is thrilled to announce the appointment of David Noble as our new, full-time, First Team Manager on a 2.5-year deal. 

The 41 year-old, joins us from St Albans City in the National League South, where he has made a considerable impact. He signed for the Saints in August 2016 as a player on an 18-month contract and was awarded the captaincy in March 2017. In November of the same year, he also joined the coaching staff working under manager Ian Allinson. 

With the departure of Allinson in September 2022, Noble was appointed Head Coach on an interim basis, before his capabilities swiftly earned him the permanent position as First Team Manager in November of the same year. Under his leadership, St Albans City reached the final of the National League South playoffs for the 2022/23 season. This season, they sit just one point outside the play-off places, having won six of their last seven matches. 

Noble's football career is one of notable distinction, with over 300 appearances in the Football League. His journey began at Arsenal and includes clubs such as Watford, West Ham, Bristol City, and Exeter City. His experience as a player in these competitive environments has undoubtedly shaped his approach as a manager at St Albans, who play an exciting possession based brand of football. 

Joining Noble in this new chapter is Neil Banfield, who steps in as Assistant Manager. Banfield is most notably associated with Arsenal, where he spent a substantial part of his career. He joined the Gunners in 1997 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the club's youth development program. Over the years, he held various positions at the club, including coaching roles for the Under-18s and the Reserve team.

Under his leadership, the Arsenal youth teams achieved considerable success winning two FA Youth Cups, an FA Premier Academy League U17 title and an U19 League title. Banfield helped in nurturing the talents of several players who would go on to have successful professional careers. His work in developing young players has been widely recognised and respected in the football community.

In 2012, Banfield was promoted to a first-team coaching role under manager Arsène Wenger. This promotion was a testament to his expertise and the high regard in which he was held at the club. Working alongside Wenger, Banfield contributed to the tactical and training aspects of the first team, playing a role in the team's domestic and European campaigns.

After Wenger's departure from Arsenal in 2018, Banfield also left the club, bringing an end to his over two-decade-long association with the Gunners. 

Following his time at Arsenal, Banfield joined QPR as first team coach, applying his vast experience and knowledge to the Championship side. In November 2022, Banfield joined departing QPR manager Michael Beale in moving to Glasgow Rangers where he was appointed to the first team coaching staff. He has also coached at international level during his time as Assistant Manager to the Republic of Ireland U21 side alongside manager Don Givens. 

David is expected to make further additions to his coaching staff in the coming days, with a new Head Coach agreed in principle. 

A statement from the board of directors reads: "We have been closely following David's impressive work at St Albans City and are confident in his ability to excel in a full-time managerial role. His philosophy and approach to the game align perfectly with our ambitions, and will enable him to settle in quickly to build upon the excellent foundations set by Stuart Maynard over the last few years. Together with Neil Banfield and the coaching staff, we are poised for a new era of success at Wealdstone.

"We have agreed a suitable compensation package with St Albans City and also extend our gratitude for their professional conduct during this transition. We wish them continued success in their ongoing campaign.

"We are excited about this new chapter and confident that our fans will join us in warmly welcoming both David and Neil to the club."