Former Linnets boss appointed as manager of Aldershot Town

Former King’s Lynn Town manager Tommy Widdrington has been unveiled as the new manager of Aldershot Town.

Widdrington’s appointment at the National League strugglers comes less than 24 hours after his unexpected departure from The Walks.

A statement from Aldershot Town an hour ago read: “Aldershot Town Football Club can confirm that Ross McNeilly has been relieved of his temporary duties as first-team manager and will return to his former role of Academy manager.

“We’d like to thank Ross for all his efforts whilst involved in first-team affairs.

“Tommy Widdrington will take charge of the first team from our return to training tomorrow morning.

“Widdrington recently resigned from his managerial role at Kings Lynn Town, leaving them second in the Vanarama National League North.

“The 51-year-old enjoyed a long playing career in the Football League with an abundance of Premier League appearances with Southampton.

“In his non-playing career, he spent five years as Manager of Eastbourne Borough and before joining Kings Lynn in December 2021, had a number of roles at Bristol Rovers during a three-year spell.”

Club chairman Shahid Azeem added: “Firstly, thanks to Ross for all of his huge effort and hard work since stepping up from Academy manager back in October.

“With just six games left, we felt we needed to make a change and when notified of Tommy’s resignation, wanted to act quickly to secure the man that we believe can help us with the final push towards mathematical safety.

“Welcome to the Shots, Tommy.”

The search for a new manager at King’s Lynn Town has begun but Hugo Langton, Widdrington’s assistant at the Walks, and coach Mark Hughes are expected to take charge of playing affairs in the short term.

The Linnets are seeking financial compensation for the former Southampton and Grimsby Town midfielder’s services with him still on contract in Norfolk until the end of next season.

Yesterday, the club Tweeted: “Tommy is under contract with us, and the club in question have not contacted us to reach an agreement and nor has Tommy sought to reach an agreement that would allow us to waive the contractual position.

“We very much hope a swift resolution will be reached, as an alternative to a legal process.

“Meanwhile, given Tommy has made it clear that he has resigned with immediate effect (irrespective of his contractual obligations to the club) the search for a new manager begins now.

“We would not stand in the way of a manager (or player) who wished to progress to a higher level and has the opportunity to do so, but such matters need to be dealt with professionally and legally.”