Gary Waddock has apologised to the Wealdstone supporters for his immediate post-match tunnel dash after a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Worthing. The manager's anger stemmed from a performance where the Stones played most of the second half with ten men and conceded a soft first-half goal.
Speaking to the club's media channel, Waddock addressed the nearly 350 fans who travelled to Woodside Road. "I was in an angry mood after the game and I do apologise for not going over and thanking them as it was a fantastic turn-out," he said. "I was fuming and I wanted to get into the dressing-room to have a conversation with the players."
Kadji dismissal frustrates boss
The match turned on a needless second yellow card for midfielder Dylan Kadji for a late challenge. Waddock was blunt in his assessment of the incident. "It was a foolish thing to do. You're on a booking, you get another booking and you're off," he stated. While frustrated by the dismissal, the manager praised the effort of his reduced side. "Ten men gave a real good account of themselves and had a right go so I'm really pleased with that side of it."
Waddock pointed to the manner of Worthing's goal, scored from a free-kick just before half-time, as symptomatic of issues he wants fixed. "We switched off from a free-kick and they go and score. That's what I'm talking about for mentality." He had spoken about a required shift in mindset after the previous weekend's draw with Harrogate Town.
Call for Friday night support
Attention now turns to a key home fixture under the lights this Friday night. Carlisle United visit The Vale for a 7:45pm kick-off, the first of the season's 'Big Weekender' events. Waddock knows the importance of a vocal home crowd, especially with the team yet to register a win this season. "Our home fans will play a real important part," he said. "We'd like the home crowd to get right behind the team like what happened today with the away fans."
The manager will hope for a positive response from his squad as they look to climb the early standings. Wealdstone face Carlisle United at The Vale this Friday, August 28.
