Success is relative, of course. Wealdstone’s 16th-place finish in 2021-22 was the club’s highest in 35 years. They were, and still are, the last truly part-time team in Non-League’s top tier. They were punching well above their weight. But still, on the face of it, his appointment as head coach of a team chasing promotion to League One was pretty remarkable. Or at least it was. Not anymore.
If you are reading these pages, you will no doubt know, as well as me, the reason why County came calling for Maynard. Some of the football, and goals, Wealdstone have produced over the last couple of years have been breathtaking, befitting of a much grander stage.
The sweeping 23-pass move, finished off by Micah Obiero, in a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield in February. The wonderfully constructed and incisive goal at Aldershot, straight from kick-off, finished off by Sean Adarkwa, in August. The 21-pass sequence, finished by Tarryn Allarakhia, in a 2-1 win at Oldham in August 2022.
All bore familiar traits. Patient build-up play. Adventurous defenders. Rotations in midfield. Drawing out the opposition’s press. Overloads in wide areas. Bodies flooding the penalty box. So while Wealdstone’s achievements should not be diminished, it was the football, more than the results, that persuaded Notts owners to hand Maynard — who left a job of 19 years with BT — his first full-time role in football.
Denne historien er fra January 28, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra January 28, 2024-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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BRENNAN STINGS 'MOANY' BEES!
FRUSTRATED Dean Brennan has lashed out at the \"miserable, moany\" Barnet boo boys and urged them to get behind the team in their bid for promotion.
ACE REED WAITED TO MAKE A MARK
WHEN Mark Reed sensed his manager turn around to look his way on Tuesday night, he knew what was coming next.
CHURCH HAILS TEENAGE KICKS
DEBUTANT Dan Shaw got his teenage kicks with the rocket that fired Alvechurch to the top of the table.
LEES SO PROUD OF HIS SHAKERS
SUPER Shakers made it 14 games unbeaten this season after easing to victory against struggling NPL outfit Blyth Spartans.
SEVEN-UP A STONES
RONAN Silva turned in a four-star display as Salisbury highlighted the three-division difference in quality against their Wessex Premier opponents.
HORGAN'S RELIEF AT TOWN SIX APPEAL
CHIPPENHAM Town heeded manager Gary Horgan's prematch warning about a potential shock and despatched their Jewson Western League hosts.
BRAD'S LEVELLER RESCUES THE IRON
IN A terrific FA Cup second qualifying round tie, Step 4 Newcastle Town held National League North leaders Scunthorpe at Buckmaster Avenue.
WHING IS SURE IT'S MOOR OF THE SAME
A BRACE from Conor Wilkinson brought Solihull Moors back-to-back National League victories.
MOR'S U'S ARE BACK ON TRACK
SUTTON United got back to winning ways with a wel come victory at Southend United.
DUO GET THEIR JUST REWARDS
ENGLAND legend Stuart Pearce has made surprise appearances at two Trident League clubs to hail a pair of award-winning volunteers who earned national recognition for their inspirational exploits.