mkdons.com takes a look at the playing and coaching career of the Club’s new Head of Coaching Gary Waddock...
.mkstadiumAppointed as Karl Robinson’s right-hand man earlier today, Waddock, 51, brings a wealth of experience to
Kingsbury-born Waddock began his playing career with Queens Park Rangers, making over 200 appearances in eight successful years with the Hoops. The talented midfielder scored eight goals during his time in White City and his form earned him 21 caps for Republic of Ireland.
After leaving QPR, Waddock spent three seasons with Belgian side Royal Charleroi before returning to London to sign for First Division outfit Millwall in 1989.
Despite impressing in his 50 appearances for the Lions, Waddock was controversially omitted from the Republic of Ireland squad for the 1990 World Cup by then-manager Jack Charlton.
Waddock then returned to QPR in 1991 but after failing to make a single appearance for his former employers the midfielder spent a short time on loan at Swindon Town before completing a permanent switch to Bristol Rovers in 1992.
After scoring one goal in 71 games for the Rovers, Waddock moved to Luton Town in 1994 from where he went on to play 150 times for Hatters before retiring in 1998.
Following a short break from the game, Waddock returned to football to take up a coaching role at QPR.
Then, after Hoops chairman Gianni Paladini suspended manager-at-the-time Ian Holloway amid speculation linking him with a move to Leciester, Waddock was appointed caretaker manager for the reminder of the 2006/07 season.
After managing to keep the club in the Championship that season, Waddock was handed the full-time managerial job in June 2006 after Holloway was put on gardening leave.
Waddock’s reign as manager was short-lived and he was replaced by the experienced John Gregory three months later although Waddock did continue to work alongside Gregory as assistant manager.
His short spell in charge of the Hoops, however, earned him his big break at Conference side Aldershot Town in May 2007.
After leading the Shots to the Setanta Shield trophy in April that season after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Rushden & Diamonds, Waddock and Aldershot went on to lift the Conference National title in May 2008, finishing the season with a record 101 points.
Aldershot Town ended the season on an 18-match unbeaten run to secure Football League status for the first time since their previous incarnation - Aldershot FC - had folded, and Waddock was named Conference Manager of the Year in recognition of his achievements.
Waddock was beginning to build a reputation amongst critics for his attacking style of play and he was subsequently appointed Wycombe Wanderers manager in October 2009 following the sacking of Peter Taylor.
Although Waddock couldn’t prevent the Chairboys from avoiding the drop from League 1 in 2009/10, he did lead the Buckinghamshire-side to promotion the following campaign after they finished third in League 2 by beating Southend United 3-1 on the final day of the 2010/11 season.
However, Wycombe and Waddock were relegated for a second time the following season and in September 2012 he was relieved of his duties following the Chairboys’ 1-0 loss to AFC Wimbledon.
Honours (as a manager):
2007/08: Setanta Shield winner (Aldershot Town)
2007/08: Conference National Champion (Aldershot Town)
2010/11: Promotion to League 1 (Wycombe Wanderers)
