Max Kretzschmar leaves Wealdstone for Hampton & Richmond Borough reunion

You can watch ALL National League games, live or on demand HERE

Max Kretzschmar has left Wealdstone to rejoin Hampton & Richmond Borough, taking on a dual role as player and assistant manager.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder first turned out for the Beavers during the 2017-18 season before following manager Alan Dowson to Woking and later joining Wealdstone in 2022, where he made over 100 league appearances.

Kretzschmar now steps into coaching for the first time while continuing to play, linking up once again with Dowson at National League South level as he begins the next chapter of his career.

He will be joining the coaching staff as an assistant manager alongside Luke Ruddick.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed Non-League news you need, subscribe to The Non-League Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

Leadership

Dowson, who will oversee Kretzschmar’s return, said the midfielder brings much more than his playing ability

“I first met him when he was six years old at a school I used to coach in,” he said. “So if there’s any player that knows me, know how I play [Max is that].”

“He will bring massive leadership qualities on the pitch as well as goals and creativity.”

The manager also welcomed Kretzschmar into a new hybrid role: “The way the game is changing, I think you need one of your assistant managers on the pitch. Because he knows me better than anybody, it’ll be important for us.”

Buzzing

On returning to the Bev, Kretzschmar said: “I’ve been driving around the last week or so just smiling and buzzing to come back as a player and in my other role as well!”

“[My last season here was] genuinely the favourite season of my career and I’m not just saying that.

“We had such a good dressing room, we had a low budget…I think we achieved well over expectations that season.”

Kretzschmar says his approach hasn’t changed: “[I] always base my game on goals and assists, I want to affect games like that and I’ve always done that.

“[I am still] high energy, but [I am] more of a leader on the pitch now than before.

“I was a senior player at Woking and most recently one of the vice-captains at Wealdstone, so I want to bring a bit of experience, a bit of unity to the club.”

Gratitude

Wealdstone were quick to pay tribute to their departing midfielder.

“The Wealdstone FC Board understands the 32-year-old’s wish to pursue this chance, and is appreciative of the manner in which conversations have taken place,” the club said in a statement.

Stones boss Sam Cox said: “In my two spells at this special club, we have enjoyed many highs and faced some tough situations; throughout these times in football, you need people around you that will stand up in adversity, be a beacon of professionalism, integrity and positivity.

“Max has displayed these and many more traits throughout his time as a Wealdstone player and deserves all the respect and gratitude afforded to him now and in the future.

“He has a wonderful opportunity in the next stage of his career in football and leaves us with our thanks and best wishes for what comes next for him.

“Thank you Max from us all, a wonderful servant to Wealdstone FC.”

Club chairman Rory Fitzgerald added: “Max has been an excellent ambassador for our wonderful club, including representing us in a highly professional and mature manner away from matchdays, as well as wearing the blue shirt with pride.

“His background in full-time professional football enabled him to have a big influence on the dressing-room and younger players around him, helping the club continually push forward in recent seasons.”

Click HERE to watch every National League fixture, live or on demand, via DAZN

READ MORE: Alan Dowson is happy for Hampton & Richmond Borough return