Neal Ardley welcomes ‘honest’ Walton & Hersham challenge as new director of football

Neal Ardley has joined Walton & Hersham as their new director of football, with the veteran manager revealing how he was drawn to the club by the honesty of the owners.

The 54-year-old has taken up the newly created role after a managerial career that has taken him to Notts County, Solihull Moors, York City and, most recently, Woking.

Ardley also enjoyed a playing career spanning more than 15 years, with the former Premier League midfielder turning out for Watford, Cardiff City, Millwall and AFC Wimbledon, who he also managed.

He guided the Dons to promotion to League One via the play-offs and reached two National League promotion finals during his managerial career, both of which he lost.

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Openness

Ardley took charge of the Cards in 2024 before departing towards the latter end of last season after a poor run of form.

He is now looking forward to helping the Swans with player development, recruitment and squad building after being impressed by the openness of the club’s owners.

“I’ve really enjoyed sitting down with the owners and hearing just how honest they’ve been about where the club is at, and the challenges that lie ahead,” Ardley said.

“That honesty is a big part of what’s drawn me to this role.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, working closely with the management team and the players, and doing everything I can to help us face those challenges together.”

Difficult start

Ardley arrives with Walton still searching for their first win of the National League South campaign after a difficult start to life at Step 2.

The Swans parted company with manager Kevin James and assistant Julian Charles after just five games, having lost every single one.

Wayne Andrews and Ruben Gaspar have since taken charge on an interim basis while the club search for a permanent successor.

Walton picked up their first point of the season against Truro City last weekend, but remain winless after eight league games.

The club’s difficult start has also come against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute with stadium owners Elmbridge Borough Council, with tensions between the two parties continuing to surface on matchdays.

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