Champions determined to hold on to heroes

By David Watters

Wealdstone

Wealdstone manager Gordon Bartlett is determined to hold onto his Ryman Premier champions after securing the club’s first promotion in a decade.

The veteran manager, with well over 1000 games under his belt since taking over at the Stones 19 years ago, is already focusing on next season and insisting that unlike 12 months ago when six players left after they missed out on promotion, they’ll be no exodus this time around.

Wealdstone took the title last week with a 1-0 win at Margate’s Hartsdown Park and will be presented with the Ryman Premier’s championship trophy at The Vale on Saturday by Ryman League Chairman and President Alan Turvey when they take on Canvey Island.

Bartlett, pictured, told the Brent & Kilburn Times on Thursday: "There will be an element of rebuilding – at the moment I don’t know how much – but I’ve made it clear to the current group that I would like them to stay.

"There might be one or two changes to the side, but I certainly would not envisage wholesale changes. I don’t think too many of them are busting a gut to get away – it’s a happy ship at the moment.

"Players like Tom Pett and Charlie Penny have a great future in the game. But one thing stands out for me, and that is the contribution of our older players – the ‘Dad’s Army’, as our fans call them – Scott McGleish, Glen Little, Elliott Godfrey and Mark Bentley. Their experience has been invaluable. Their knowledge and effort was a huge part of our achievement."

He added: "It has been a long time coming for this club. We’ve had bits of success through the years but this is certainly the best moment I’ve had here. From where we have come – administration and having no ground – it is incredibly satisfying to see where the club is now. Every single person at Wealdstone deserves it."

Image courtesy of Steve Foster/Wealdstone FC

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