Wealdstone appoint two former footballers turned highly rated manager and assistant

National League club Wealdstone appoint two former footballers turned highly rated manager and assistant in Neil Gibson and Lee Jones.

Neil Gibson, previously known for his work with Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Welsh football scene, has taken over from Matt Taylor, who left for Solihull Moors, who saw Andy Whing appointed at Barrow.

Gibson and Jones’s surprise appointment has gone down very well with fans, with Wealdstone sitting sitting 21st with 25 points from 26 games played and are a point from safety.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Neil Gibson as our new First Team Manager.

Story: https://t.co/u9q8a08ANv pic.twitter.com/kATHMQZaqV

— Wealdstone FC (@WealdstoneFC) January 27, 2025

Great appointment. He’ll be fantastic for you.

— Thomas Wynne Lewis 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@TomiCaws) January 27, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

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 significant 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.

Twitter users reacted as Wealdstone appoint two former footballers turned highly rated manager and assistant…

@Squire95: Good Luck Gibbo! @NeilGibson22

@jdh2003_: Welcome Neil 👍

@Wealdipedia: What a fascinating appointment. Feels like a bold move for both parties – and one that deserves to succeed for that reason alone.

@1978Gez: Outstanding appointment. Good luck Gibbo

@p_franklin5: Good luck Neil and Lee 💪 An unknown quantity with decent enough credentials to make a good go of it! UTS

@LeoWerin: Fair play, that is left field! Decent enough track record mind.

@Tommy_Cockles: I have total confidence that nobody saw that appointment coming! If he gets the required results and keeps us up then he’ll do for me! Welcome to the Stones Neil and good luck 👍🏼

@peterwealdstone: Good luck Neil.

@Bananas_WFC: Blimey, he wasn’t on my bingo card. A wealth of experience though. Best of luck Neil.

@ChrisCone65: Welcome! No one saw that coming. A great track record #coys

@The94thMin: A fantastic appointment! Pob lwc Neil!

@FootyGirlsPlay2: Good luck Gibbo! Got a great manager there!

@markc12345678: Great appointment. Good luck 👏🏻

@76PC: Welcome to the Stones Neil and Lee! #UTS

@MartinJones1957: Fantastic appointment. Gibbo will give everything to ensure the team are as successful as possible. Good luck @NeilGibson22 and his fantastic assistant @leejones_red. All the best gents

@alukey: Hope you’ve got a costa close…. 😂😂 good luck gibbo

@cmcoach1: Brilliant appointment 👏👏👏

@karly_Jones18: Congratulations @NeilGibson22 👏🏼

@neillreeshughes: What an appointment! This guy is top draw. He’ll be fantastic for the club 👏👏👏

@CQNFans: A fantastic appointment lads, all the best gibbo

@MacRory453: Yes Gibbo @NeilGibson22 good to see you back in management. All the best mate. Will be down to watch a game 👍 #NomadsNeverDie

@StevenGiblin2: Superb appointment. 👌

@ZakyEllis: Welcome Neil! Good luck 💙 UTS

@BazWhitelam: Great appointment 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

@LewisHensey: Great appointment, good luck Gibbo

@GomezKnows: Fantastic for all parties this, well done and all the best @NeilGibson22 and @leejones_red