Shock news: Neil Gibson and Lee Jones leave Wealdstone FC

Stunning news – Wealdstone FC have confirmed first team manager Neil Gibson and assistant Lee Jones have left the club by mutual consent.

Gibson and Jones performed marvels to keep The Stones in the fifth-tier National League this season, masterminding a win on the final day of the campaign to stay up.

The pair joined the Ruislip-based club in January with the mission to save the club from the drop – something they accomplished with flying colours.

Former Prestatyn Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads manager Gibson, who lifted the Welsh Cup as boss at both those clubs, is a former Tranmere Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday and Rhyl FC player who was also capped 12 times for Wales Under-21s.

Gibson and Jones departed Nomads in August last year three months after leading them to victory over The New Saints in the Welsh Cup Final.

Both soon proved they were up to the task of leading a team in Tier 5 of the English pyramid.

Explaining the departures, Wealdstone FC said: “This decision follows a number of challenges that have made continuing in their roles increasingly difficult. In particular it has not proved possible for Neil and Lee to relocate from Wales to Ruislip given the current cost of living.

“These circumstances have made it particularly hard to operate as a full-time management team based locally, something the club has always seen as vital for success and cohesion at this level.

“Additionally, the club has taken the difficult but necessary decision to reduce the first team playing budget for the 2025/26 season in order to ensure long-term sustainability. While efforts to secure investment in the club continue, no new funding has yet materialised. The financial reality means we must live within our means and not put the future of Wealdstone FC at risk.

“Both parties recognise that in light of these financial constraints, it would be increasingly difficult to meet shared ambitions on and off the pitch. As such, it was agreed that a mutual parting of ways was in the best interests of both the club and the management team.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to Neil and Lee for their commitment and professionalism during their time at Wealdstone FC. We congratulate them on securing our National League status for the 2025/26 season, following the dramatic 3-1 victory over FC Halifax Town on the final day. They leave with our deepest appreciation and very best wishes for the future.

“The search for our new management team begins immediately and the Board will provide further updates as and when appropriate.”

Hopefully Neil and Lee will be back in football management very soon.