Long-serving Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett steps down

(Picture: Action Images via Reuters)
By Matt Bishop
National League South side Wealdstone are on the hunt for a new manager for the first time in 22 years, after Gordon Bartlett stepped down from his role last night.
Bartlett, 61, was the longest serving manager in English football, pre-dating Arsene Wenger’s appointment at Arsenal by 16 months, but he has now decided to take on a new role with the club that focuses on youth development.
Last season, the school teacher led Wealdstone to eighth place in the division – their highest league finish since 1988 – and in total, led the west London club to three promotions.
Sadly, this campaign has started off less impressively, despite ambitious aspirations, and with the Stones currently languishing 18th in National League South, Bartlett admitted: “We have simply failed to meet expectations on the field.
“This is undoubtedly a very tough decision. The dynamics of this football club have changed dramatically since Peter’s arrival – we are in an ambitious era with the club with a significant financial increase.
“Following last weekend, Peter and I have sat down and agreed it isn’t working, so it’s time for a change and unfortunately the buck stops with me.
“Looking back, I have a huge amount of pride on the success and progress we have made since my arrival in 1995.  I move on with some brilliant memories and the knowledge the club is in a far better place than when I took over.
“This is a unique football club which has been a privilege to manage over the years and I must acknowledge the fans for their hard graft, passion and undying support in throughout my time.
“My ambition was to take the club back to the top of non-league football and although we may have finished one short of the objective, I can’t really say I haven’t had a fair crack at it.”
Bartlett took over at Wealdstone in June 1995, with the club still in the Isthmian Third Division, and took them to within a whisker of the National League South play-offs last season.
In a heartfelt statement, Wealdstone chairman Peter Marsden agreed a fresh start was needed at the club, but also paid tribute to the departing manager, saying: “On behalf of the board I would like to thank Gordon Bartlett for his 22 years at the helm of Wealdstone Football Club.
“Often working in trying conditions which would have confounded lesser managers Gordon has been pivotal in the club re-establishing itself as a force in the non-league game. He is quite simply a Wealdstone legend.”