Aldershot Town are on the lookout for a new manager following the departure of Tommy Widdrington last week, here are four potential replacements that the club should consider next.
The Shots have had a frustrating season so far in the National League, just months after experiencing a club-high after beating Spennymoor Town to secure the FA Trophy in what was their first visit to Wembley Stadium.
However, this season has been a difficult scenario thus far. The club are the joint-second highest scorers in the National League, level with York City and one behind Carlisle United, but on the flip side they have the second-worst defence in the division.
Widdrington has since moved on to National League South side Eastbourne Borough, and as life moves on – who should they be targeting next?
Derek Adams:
A proven EFL manager that’s currently out of work is Derek Adams, following his departure from fellow National League side Morecambe after their takeover was completed.
Adams has won four promotions during his managerial career, most recently with Morecambe during the 2020/21 campaign. Looking at his managerial career, he’s only managed in the south of England once with Plymouth Argyle during a four-year stint between 2015 and 2019.
Replacing Tommy Widdrington won’t be easy, but they need a manager who is proven, isn’t afraid to make difficult tactical decisions and can establish a stable back-line. Aldershot have scored plenty of goals, but they’ve conceded a high amount at the same time — Adams should prevent that.
Anthony Limbrick:
After being linked with the previously vacant roles with both Yeovil Town and Solihull Moors, Limbrick appears to be manifesting a return to management in England and thus Aldershot could be an option for him.
The 42-year-old has pretty much spent the vast majority of his football/management career in the Non-League scene and has been without a club since he departed Hartlepool United at the end of the previous campaign.
Limbrick didn’t fare too badly at Hartlepool, especially when you take into consideration the environment that he was in at the time — one that hasn’t improved even now. One major benefit too is that he has previous history with working with young players, which would bold well for Aldershot’s young loanees.
Steve Morison:
Fresh from his Sutton United exit, Steve Morison knows the current National League division better than the other managers on this list and if he wants to jump straight back into management — this could be ideal.
Morison lost just two matches in charge of Hornchurch after diving back into Non-League to get to grips with management again, following his Cardiff role. At Sutton, Morison had plenty of positives including reaching the National League Cup final and secured mid-table with almost an entirely new squad.
He was born in Enfield which is roughly an hour from Aldershot, meaning the location of the job could also be attractive for him, with the club bolstering a strong squad that needs lifting up. Morison’s playing experience could make him a great man-manager for the Shots.
Scott Davies:
Admittedly, this is unlikely from an outside perspective, but if he was willing to hang up his boots, the Aldershot job would suit Scott Davies perfectly on paper.
Despite playing as well as managing, Davies has developed a positive reputation as a manager with National League South side Slough Town and spent three separate spells as a player with Aldershot Town during his career, helping them to achieve promotion into the EFL.
Widdrington brought into what Aldershot were about throughout his entire time, and having someone who knows the club well could be the better hire rather than someone who has little to no experience in terms of the football club.
Aldershot fans, what are your thoughts on these suggestions? Let us know on Twitter @TheDeckNL…