STATEMENT: Wealdstone Welcomes Waddock As Manager

THE Wealdstone FC Board of Directors is very pleased to confirm the club's new manager as Gary Waddock, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

After thorough consideration was given to all possible options, including the notion of an interim solution until season's end, the club felt Waddock's appointment would be a strong sign of stability and experienced leadership - especially given a minimum of 15 remaining games this campaign.

Born just up the road in Kingsbury, Waddock needs little introduction to those for whom north-west London is home.

The former Eire international achieved legendary status as a player at Stones' EFL neighbours Queens Park Rangers, kicking off a career which also took in stops at Millwall, Bristol Rovers and Luton Town.

In terms of management and coaching, Gary has 20 years' worth of experiences behind him.

His most recent managerial spell was a second stint at Aldershot Town between 2016 and 2019, working through some troubled times in north Hampshire. His first period with the Shots, some ten years before that, had yielded promotion from what was then the Conference National into the Football League with a record 101 points.

Now 63, Waddock has enjoyed many other varied coaching roles - mostly in league football - with his longest reign at Wycombe Wanderers, on the back of that impressive Aldershot promotion.

More recently, the ex-midfielder has been part of the coaching set-ups at Portsmouth, Cambridge United and Walsall - from where he departs to join the Stones.

On behalf of the Board, chairman Rory Fitzgerald said of the appointment: "Gary's hungry to get back to management and we're delighted to have secured his experience to lead our ambitious football club.

"We're grateful to Walsall FC for working with us in regards to Gary's release, at what is a key time in the season for all teams in terms of retaining key staff.

"We'll let Gary explain for himself in his first interview why he felt this role is right for him, but from the club's point of view we feel it's exactly what we need right now to gain the maximum return from our dedicated playing squad."

Gary will be working with the existing management team here at The Vale, so Danny Payne remains in his position as First-Team Coach. Elliott Minto, who was in the dugout for Tuesday's win over Brackley Town, returns to Stones in a role combining coaching with Lead Analyst duties.

Welcome to Wealdstone, Gary, with very best wishes for every success!

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MEET THE MANAGER: Get To Know Gary At The Vale Stones fans can hear from Gary in person and ask him questions at a Meet the Manager session which will take place on Tuesday 24th March, 7.30pm, in the main hall at The Vale. Put the date in your diary!