The Non-League Football Paper

COX STEPS INTO STONES ROLE

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RELEGATION threatened Wealdstone insist sacking manager David Noble after just 73 days in charge was done with “deep and thorough considerat­ion”.

Noble left St Albans City to join the Stones in January after they lost predecesso­r Stuart Maynard to Notts County.

Wealdstone were in the top half when Noble arrived but a run of just two wins from 17 games left the north-west London side fighting for survival in the National League.

Assistant manager Neil Banfield has also left the club, with first team coach Sam Cox left to oversee the final five matches of the season as interim boss.

Cox led the Stones to a first win in nine matches with a crucial 4-2 win over Dorking Wanderers on Thursday night before yesterday’s 1-0 victory against Chesterfie­ld.

On the decision to part company with Noble, a club statement read: “This reluctant decision is not one the board of directors has taken lightly. It regrettabl­y comes after deep and thorough considerat­ion and is made in what we believe to be the best interests of Wealdstone FC.

“Both David and Neil are individual­s of the highest calibre, possessing great knowledge and passion for the game. We have no doubt that, under different circumstan­ces, their tenure with the club could have been met with the success we all strive for and had hoped for when making the appointmen­ts.

“With just five National League games remaining of the season, the board has concluded that an appointmen­t from outside the club would be too disruptive at this critical juncture.

“This decision has been made to ensure continuity and stability within the squad as we navigate through the remaining fixtures of the season.”

 ?? PICTURE: Jon Taffel ?? FIRED UP: Interim manager Sam Cox celebrates Wealdstone’s crucial win over Dorking Wanderers on Thursday
PICTURE: Jon Taffel FIRED UP: Interim manager Sam Cox celebrates Wealdstone’s crucial win over Dorking Wanderers on Thursday

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