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Someone on the Stones forum questioned the ambition of the Wealdstone board and suggested that they want to keep their 'plaything' instead of letting other investors in and/or take over. Board member replied...

I probably shouldn't reply to this but I will, because when things aren't challenged they get spoken to into fact at this club. I've been on the board 3.5 years and in that time we've had 2 potential groups of investors who were keen to progress to offers.

The first pulled out because of the bad press after the incidents at Barnet last season, citing that this behaviour could damage their brand, and also because after running the numbers they didn't want to underwrite £1m-£2m of losses each season for a National League club.

The second was dismissed by us because they wanted to change the name of the club and put ownership of the club on the blockchain for "millions around the world" to vote on club decisions.

We're not dealing with normal investment rules here, the risk of investors getting little to no return is high so you end up dealing with chancers and charlatans in the main. We are continuing to talk to 2 interested groups who both have credibility so hopefully one of those mainfests into a written offer we can bring to shareholders. It's their decision, not the boards whether someone buys the club or not.

As for the board, we'd all happily walk away tomorrow if someone had the resources to take the club on and were good custodians. The work to run at club at this level is light years away from our Isthmian and NLS days. It affects our careers and our families. We need it like a hole in the head tbh but we do it because we're supporters of this club and passionate about it succeeding.
UTS.
 
Never heard of him! Let's hope the board have got this one right.

NEIL GIBSON APPOINTED FIRST TEAM MANAGER​

Wealdstone Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Gibson as our new First Team Manager. Neil holds the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching qualification in Europe and has a track record of success as a manager, winning the Welsh Cup twice, securing four promotions and qualifying for UEFA Europa League/UEFA Conference League four times.

Neil has put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will be in the dugout for Saturday’s home Vanarama National League clash with Solihull Moors. Former Liverpool, Wrexham, Tranmere and Wales international forward Lee Jones joins Neil as his Assistant Manager.

Born in St Asaph, Wales, 45 year old Neil's football journey began as a midfielder with Tranmere Rovers, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his professional debut. He later played for clubs including Rhyl, Sheffield Wednesday, Southport and Prestatyn Town.

Transitioning into management, Neil took the helm at Prestatyn Town in 2007, leading them to notable successes over multiple tenures including winning the Cymru Alliance three times, the NWCFA Challenge Cup, winning the Welsh Cup and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.

Their Welsh Cup success in 2012-2013 was at the expense of local rivals Bangor City, winning 3-1 after extra-time in the final at the Racecourse, Wrexham. They then went on to make Welsh football history by being the first Welsh club to reach the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League at the first attempt. In the first qualifying round they beat Latvian side Liepajas Metalurgs to then go on and play HNK Rijeka in front of 10,000 fans.

In August 2022, Neil was appointed as the First Team Manager of Connah's Quay Nomads. Despite operating with a smaller budget compared to league giants, under his leadership the Nomads secured a commendable second-place finish in the JD Cymru Premier in his first season and qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Under Neil’s stewardship, Connah's Quay not only excelled in the league but also achieved a crowning glory by winning the 2023-2024 Welsh Cup, the second in his managerial career.

UEFA Conference League qualification was secured for the 2nd season in a row, with Connah's Quay winning 1-0 away at Slovenian top division club NK Brava in the 1st qualifying round 1st leg, before going out 1-2 on aggregate after extra time in the 2nd leg.

Throughout his managerial career, Neil has been praised for his modern approach to the game, with a clear philosophy and principles. His ability to develop young players and foster a winning mentality despite limited resources has earned him admiration across the footballing community.

After signing his contract, Neil said:

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Wealdstone and excited about the challenge ahead. I've had a fantastic open dialogue with Rory (Fitzgerald, Club Chairman) and feel the club and I are a perfect fit. I can't wait to get started and meet everyone - players, staff and fans."

The board of Wealdstone FC expressed their confidence in Neil's appointment, with Chairman Rory Fitzgerald stating:

"Neil is someone we have monitored for some time and brings a wealth of experience, a track record of success and a clear vision for the future. We were seeking a high quality coach and manager who shares our values and understands the importance of the culture we have created across the squad and football club. We are confident that he is the right person to lead the Stones to new heights and continue building on our proud history."

The appointment of our new management team means Paul Hughes and Peter Stanford depart the club. We thank them for their signficant contribution, hard work and commitment and wish them both every success for the future.

Neil gets to work immediately, meeting the players tomorrow morning and taking training; we'll bring you photos and interviews from his first full day in the job. Be there for Neil and Lee's first game in charge when we take on Solihull Moors this coming Saturday. Advance tickets on sale NOW at discount prices.
 
1 point between the top 5 now in National South

Now just 3 points between the top 6, that said the bottom 4 sides all look fairly doomed. St Albans, Aveley, Enfield and Weymouth are at 9 points or more adrift of Welling in 20th position.

Some odd recent results though, Chesham beating Maidstone, Torquay losing at home to Hampton and drawing games you'd expect them to win, Borehamwood losing 4-1 at home to lowly Chippenham, the title winner is going to be a bit of a tough one to predict.

If forced at gunpoint, as most betting situations dictate, I'd still say Borehamwood will take it, as for the playoffs, that's going to be anyone's guess!
 

This has the backing of 72 National League teams, but this intrinsic problem below League Two.

From the National League to North & South National Leagues there are 2 promotion slots and 4 relegation slots, this then applies to all the feeder leagues, which means that the whole non league pyramid is prone to inertia for teams on the up, so fairly easy to slip in to relegation and very hard to achieve promotion.
 
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