Former Cambridge United man handed new deal

The former Fratton Park caretaker has provided influential support in a ‘progressive’ season for League Two team.

Former Pompey assistant manager Gary Waddock has signed a contract extension with League Two team Walsall Football team, following a ‘promising season’.

Waddock joined Walsall last summer and has clearly been an important addition to the Saddlers’ coaching staff, lead by Head Coach Mat Sadler. The team finished the 2023/24 season in 11th place, a five-place improvement from their 16th place finish in 2022/23, and Waddock has expressed his satisfaction at extending his stay with the League Two club, emphasizing his hope to continue building on the foundations laid last season.

“I’m very pleased that it has been resolved,” Waddock added. “We’ve been talking about it for a while, so it’s wonderful to have everything wrapped up, and I’m already looking forward to the next season.

“We had a good season last year, so we want to improve on it, and I’m glad the Head Coach and everyone else want me to continue for another two years. I’ve liked working with the gaffer and the rest of the staff. Everyone has contributed and played their role, so maybe we can build on what we accomplished last year and move the club ahead.”

The 62-year-old joined Walsall after being released as Cambridge United’s assistant coach at the end of the 2022/23 season, with the club narrowly avoiding relegation.

The former Luton footballer was previously a member of Pompey’s coaching staff, joining in December 2014 and serving as assistant manager to Andy Awford. Following Awford’s dismissal in April 2015, he was appointed caretaker manager and oversaw the Blues’ final four League Two games.

The former QPR midfielder left Fratton Park in May 2015, after Paul Cook was announced as the new head coach. Between his stints on the south coast and Walsall, the former Republic of Ireland international worked for Aldershot Town, Southend United, and The Abbey Stadium club.