[themaclad]

Wealdstone have appointed St Albans boss David Noble as their new manager.

The National League club were seeking a new boss after Stuart Maynard departed for Notts County last week.

Noble, 41, taking over from Ian Allinson in September 2022 and had steered the Saints into the National League South promotion race.

He joins on a deal until the end of 2025-26 and a club statement said: "His philosophy and approach to the game align perfectly with our ambitions."

Noble made more than 300 Football League appearances as a player, starting out at Arsenal and playing for Watford, West Ham, Bristol City and Exeter.

A statement from the Wealdstone board said: "We have been closely following David's impressive work at St Albans City and are confident in his ability to excel in a full-time managerial role.

"His philosophy and approach to the game will enable him to settle in quickly to build upon the excellent foundations set by Stuart Maynard over the last few years. We are poised for a new era of success at Wealdstone."

Noble's assistant will be Neil Banfield, a former Arsenal youth coach who worked under Arsene Wenger and has most recently assisted Michael Beale at QPR and Rangers.

St Albans will receive compensation from the Stones for Noble's move.

[themaclad]

National League strugglers Wealdstone have sacked manager David Noble after just 73 days in charge.

Noble was only appointed in January but Wealdstone have picked up just one point from their past six games.

They have five games left of the season - all of them inside 12 days.

And, although they are outside the relegation zone, it is only on goal difference as they are level on points with the team below them, Boreham Wood, and a point ahead of Kidderminster.

Assistant manager Neil Banfield has also left the club, with first team coach Sam Cox appointed interim manager.

"This reluctant decision is not one the board of directors has taken lightly," said a club statement. "It regrettably comes after deep and thorough consideration."

Wealdstone were in the top half when they lost Noble's predecessor Stuart Maynard to Notts County on 18 January.