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No Boss? No problem: Players step up as former manager walks

1 Mins read

With no replacement available, two senior squad players at Northwood FC have taken up the role to manage the team in their bid to remain in the league.

Non-league side Northwood FC have recently dealt with a major change. The step four team have appointed three different managers since the start of last season.

QPR academy graduate Scott Donnelly took over the role in June 2024. But in September, after a poor run of results, the club parted company with the former England Youth International.

Gary Meakin, who had previously played for the club, was appointed as Donnelly’s replacement in October. Things seemed to take a turn for the better. However, the positive results dried up, and it was not long until Meakin stepped down due to ‘personal reasons’ in March.

The outfit nicknamed “The Woods” were left in a tough situation. The manager-less club had their final push for survival in the league looming without any sign of direction. This was until midfield duo Jack Smith & Jon-Jo Bates stepped up to see out the job until the end of last season.

The pair helped inspire a strong run of form in last season’s closing matches, which led to The Woods’ miraculous survival. This raised hopes for the club’s current campaign.

Unfortunately, things have not been as smooth sailing as hoped. Northwood have suffered a bad run of losses and will be looking for improvement as soon as possible.


Featured image by Niall Ateia.

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