Manager reveals ‘two issues’ led to his shock Wealdstone departure

Manager Dean Brennan reveals ‘two issues’ which led to his shock Wealdstone departure earlier this week, leaving many fans saddened.

Dean Brennan left the National League club amid tensions, just hours after their postponement to their midweek fixture against Maidenhead United.

The Greater London outfit currently sit 18th in the National League table, taking a total 21 points from 18 games played.

A managerial departure has been confirmed in the Vanarama National League 🚨

Dean Brennan leaves Wealdstone 👤🚪

➡️ https://t.co/USPOYRkfhw pic.twitter.com/cUREVdZXvP

— The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) February 3, 2021

Following the statement that Dean Brennan had left his position of First Team Manager on Tuesday evening, the Wealdstone FC Executive Board decided to reveal further details to their fanbase.

Wealdstone said: “Everyone connected to the club knew that our first season back in the Vanarama National League would be one full of challenges. The step up to what is mainly a full-time league against teams with access to greater resources both on and off pitch would be challenging.

“We started the season strongly and despite a recent run of league defeats, we still find ourselves with an excellent opportunity to stay in the league and also progress further in the FA Trophy.

“Despite this, over the last couple of months the Board were concerned over some controllable aspects of the first team.

“Whilst these were not enough to consider Dean’s immediate future, it did convince the Board that we would not currently be offering him a new contract in the summer.

“Given this decision Dean felt that he was not in the position to continue in his role and upon discussion, Dean left the club with immediate effect.

“None of the above should detract from the last 18 months. Led by Dean and Stuart, being crowned National League South Champions, quite rightly, ranks amongst our greatest achievements. The style of football was very pleasing to the eye and some of the performances both home and away will live long in the memory.

“Stuart stays with us and will be looking after the first team against Darlington and beyond whilst we consider our options for a suitable replacement. The Club will take its time to find the right candidate and details of the recruitment process will be shared in due course.

“Leaving us also is Kirk Rayment and Gary King whilst a familiar face in Matt Saunders rejoins the coaching team to assist Stuart. The Board would like to place on record their thanks to Dean, Kirk and Gary for all their efforts and also welcome Matt back to the club.

“Again, we wish Dean all the best in the future and thank him for his achievements at the club, he, along with Gary and Kirk, will always be welcome at The Vale.”

Dean Brennan has also spoken out, adding that there were tensions that caused his departure.

He also says he was “becoming uncomfortable” with the relationship between chairman Rory Fitzgerald and the assistant manager Stuart Maynard, which Brennan says was undermining his position.

The full statement reads: “It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm my departure from Wealdstone FC.

“I believe that our magnificent supporters deserve an explanation as to why I made my decision.

“Approximately eight weeks ago, following interest from another club, the board promised me a new improved contract. I chose to remain loyal to my players and supporters.

“I had not chased the board as I trusted their word. However, more recently I was informed by a contact that the club had been liaising with an out of work manager about my job and this was subsequently confirmed to me by the chairman.

“I felt the two issues combined left my situation untenable.

“I was also becoming uncomfortable with the relationship between the chairman and my assistant Stuart Maynard, which I believe was beginning to undermine my position as manager at the club.

“As you all know I am big on trust and loyalty. However, it is my opinion this was not reciprocated.

“In closing, I would like to thank my loyal players, Kirk Rayment, Gary King, Fingers and Optima.

“I also want to say a massive thank-you to the passionate supporters for being our 12th man on so many occasions. My love for you and the passion you have for the club will never leave me.

“I am delighted to have been the manager that has taken you back to the level you deserve.

“Finally, in this perilous time, stay safe.”

He was also unhappy at not being given an improved contract after rejecting an approach from Barnet.

Fans reacted as the manager reveals ‘two issues’ led to his shock Wealdstone departure…

@Lambpix1: Sounds like he was shafted by the club, good decision to leave

@AzzaL123: If this is true this is just wrong imo

@charlietheo: WOW! Knew there was a little more to that story…

@1AndyPurchase: If, and I stress if, every word of that is true, then that is a shoddy way to treat any manager, let alone one as successful for Wealdstone as Dean Brennan.

@ChairCon: Big shame, wish him all the best mate

@Classicbritcom: I think this will come back and bite them in the arse, be careful what you wish for! Good luck in your future projects Dean

@AnthonyGuter: Dean’s achievement in winning the NLS with a team that played such wonderful football will always be one of the great highlights of Stones’ history

@ronnieraffle: I think all Stones fans are very grateful for what Deano did for us, we had a great ride. Things change, that’s football.

@oystercardcult: Dean did a fantastic job , so great watching his attacking stones team , I’m sure things would have been very different had the world outside of football been as it normally is . Wish him all the very best in the future .

@hillsy945: I started watching Stones in 2000 and heard all the stories about the old Conference days of the 80s. It was a dream to watch them at that level again. Dean made that happen, and it was a joy. Regardless of what’s happened, Dean rightly has legend status in my mind. All the best

@PaulHurley12345: Dean Brennan is both a great guy and manager. Even as a Dartford Fan I felt this was a disgrace and wrong. To Dean, move on you deserve bigger and better.

@J_Stonesss: tbf i understand both sides of this, obviously get why dean’s angry but if you’re the chairman and your manager’s been on the verge of leaving then ofc you’re gonna try to find a back up for the worst case scenario

@MartinQ19822004: Shoddy of chairman and assistant believe everything dB says as he always comes across as very honest and dignified,he won’t be out of work long that’s for sure , Stephen Kenny watch your back, u stones

@LockySDA: Dean Brennan deserves so much better than this. A very talented manager with a huge future ahead of him. Wealdstone’s treatment of Dean is nothing short of disgusting.

@MarkPoulton62: So many shit bags in non league football, I admire his decision and the fact he made it public

@ChrisMaddison13: Admire his honesty and being so open. Good luck to him in his next job.