Gary Waddock returns to management with Wealdstone replacing Sam Cox

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Wealdstone have confirmed the appointment of Gary Waddock as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 63-year-old leaves his role as assistant head coach at League Two outfit Walsall after two-and-a-half years to take charge at Grosvenor Vale.

The Stones have opted against a short-term interim solution as they look to build stability with a minimum of 15 games remaining this season.

On Sunday, the National League outfit unanimously agreed to part company with manager Sam Cox following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Sutton United.

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Hungry

The club confirmed the decision after what was Cox’s second spell in charge. First-team coach Danny Payne took charge of Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over Brackley Town.

And the board believe Waddock’s experience and leadership offer the strongest platform for both the current campaign and beyond.

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.”

The club added: “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.”

Experienced

Saddlers head coach Mat Sadler said of his departing assistant: “Gary has been a fantastic support to me during his time at the club, he’s a thoroughly experienced coach and manager and someone I have the upmost respect for.

“Since he came into the building, Gary has always expressed to me that he would like one more crack at it and this is his moment to do so and put his own style and practices in place at Wealdstone, a team who are fighting and doing well in the National League.

“He most certainly goes with our best wishes and I thank him for everything he has done for us during his years at the club.”

Waddock, a former QPR, Luton Town, Millwall and Bristol Rovers midfielder, began his managerial career with the Hoops before going on to take charge of Aldershot Town, Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford United.

Born in north-west London, near Kingsbury, he enjoyed two spells at Aldershot, guiding the Shots to promotion from the Conference National to the Football League in his first stint with a record-breaking 101-point haul back in 2008.

Wealdstone, currently 14th in the National League table, are nine points clear of the drop zone as they look to secure their safety – and Waddock also has the added incentive of a potential run to Wembley to look forward to.

The Stones are in Isuzu FA Trophy quarter-final action on Saturday with a trip to Kidderminster Harriers, before returning to league duty against struggling Morecambe.

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READ MORE: Wealdstone want ‘new energy’ as Sam Cox departure confirmed