Antony Gradley joins Welling Town's four-man management team

WELLING TOWN have appointed Antony Gradley, their fourth and final piece of the clubs new-look management team.

 

The Bayliss Avenue club appointed Tristan Cropley, Peter Gill and chairman Kevin Oakes to run the first-team on 24 May, following the departure of Danny Wakeling and his management team.

Gradley was involved in Greenwich Borough before their sad demise and prior to that has experience at all levels of non-league football, having played in the former Kent and Isthmian Leagues, before being involved in Academy football at Leyton Orient and Millwall and then moving into non-league football via brief spells at Holmesdale and then Greenwich Borough.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank Kevin for inviting me to be part of the upcoming season’s management team,” said Gradley.

“Following good discussions and gaining an insight into the club plans for the future project pushing for the club to progress, move into their own stadium plus developing youth set up to support the local community and first team, exciting times lay ahead.

“Personally, I can’t wait to get started with the team. I had my first experience coaching in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division last season, the quality of football, the club set-ups and passion for the game was a great learning experience. It’s given me a drive and desire to prove myself going forward.

“What feels like many years back I played in the old Kent League, but seeing the football and clubs from the dug-out are completely different perspectives.

“I’m fortunate to have had many years working in Football League club academies, educating the next generation of young footballers, the hope is I can bring this experience to the Welling Town players. The intensity at this level increases, but the aim to install the right principles and mind-set to the team.”

Oakes, the chairman of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club, added: “From a personal perspective, the feedback I have received from five or six players who have worked with Antony in the past has been faultless and our discussions productive so I, Tristan and Peter all look forward to having Antony onboard.”

Visit Welling Town’s website: www.wellingtown.co.uk