WEALDSTONE say Stuart Maynard leaves with ‘nothing but their best wishes and gratitude’ after he departed the club to take over at League Two side Notts County.

The League Two side have activated Maynard’s release clause along with that of his assistant, Matt Saunders and have agreed substantial compensation for their services.

Stones’ first team coach Craig Saunders has also left Wealdstone for Meadow Lane, as the trio take over from Luke Williams, who joined Swansea City earlier this month.

 

Maynard took over at National League Wealdstone in March 2021 and guided them to their highest league position in 35 years of 16th in the 2021-22 campaign before steering them to an improved 13th last season.

The 43-year-old former Stones player had previously been assistant manager to Dean Brennan, with the pair leading the club to the National League South title in their first season.

In a statement from the board of directors, Wealdstone FC said: "As sad as we are to lose Stuart, he leaves with nothing but our best wishes and gratitude.

“There is great affection for Stuart and his management team across the club.

 

“They have returned the Stones to the pinnacle of non-league football after 32 years and established the club within the division, playing a brand of football that has drawn praise from many across the National League and the EFL.

“Our achievements as a part time club under Stuart since his appointment have inevitably attracted interest from other clubs, and we recognise that the opportunity to lead a club challenging for promotion to League One is impossible to turn down.

"Whilst everyone will miss Stuart, Matt, and Craig, our search for their successors commences immediately.

“We are committed to finding replacements who will build on the solid foundations that have been set and continue with the brand of football that has become synonymous with the Stones."

Wealdstone have placed Alex Dyer and chairman Rory Fitzgerald in interim charge of first team affairs for tomorrow’s National League game at Rochdale.

The Stones board of directors have immediately started their hunt for Maynard’s successor, speaking to suitable candidates to ‘ensure a smooth transition and continued success for the club’.

A statement from the Magpies' board of directors said: "We've been tracking Stuart's progress for a long time and have huge respect for the outstanding job he's done at Wealdstone on limited resources.

 

"We believe he will thrive in a full-time environment and is an excellent fit for us in terms of his playing philosophy, which puts him in a strong position to settle in quickly and lead our continued push for promotion to League One.

"Alongside Matt and Craig, he has formed a formidable and dedicated coaching team who will integrate seamlessly into our existing set-up as we look to build on the foundations we've laid during our adaptation to life back in the EFL.

"With Stuart in place, we're also now in a stronger position to help the squad with additions before the end of the transfer window."