Club History - Part 5 Seasons 2007-

On May 19 2007 Gary Waddock was appointed the fifth manager of Aldershot Town Football Club arriving at the Rec with a wealth of experience making over 500 senior appearances, 21 international caps for the Republic of Ireland and managerial knowledge at youth, reserve and first team at Queens Park Rangers.
The 45 year old who was raised in north west London appointed Martin Kuhl as his first team Coach. Difficult decisions were made in the summer of 2007 including the departure of popular defender Darren Barnard after an extensive professional career.However the new boss set the tone for a younger, fitter squad blessed with pace.
After high expectations the season before Shots supporters had lowered their hopes for the season ahead with stability more the target but boss Waddock set about his task with a calm, concentrated approach and it paid dividends. After defeating Kidderminster Harriers on the opening day of the season his side never looked back. From October onwards they were top of the Blue Square Conference and were never overtaken.

A nine match successive victory sequence starting in mid November saw boss Waddock's young squad force themselves away from the chasing pack including a double over neighbours Woking during the Christmas period. The Boxing Day victory at Kingfield was over shadowed as Supporters Club Chairman and DIrector Paul Muddell passed away after being taken ill directly after the match.

Realisation set in to the Shots supporters that a return of League Football to the town was a possibility occurred in early March at second placed Torquay United.
Scott Davies' winning goal deep into injury time was celebrated profusely and it gave a genuine belief that the championship and "ultimate dream" was within reach.

Increased attendances, fanatical away support and the club was truly buzzing. Promotion was confirmed at Exeter City with four matches remaining as Scott Donnelly's equaliser at Exeter City secured the point required and set the packed Shots following at St James'Park off into a crescendo of emotion and jubilation. Aldershot had returned to the Football League; 16 years after having to start again. The celebrations commenced in earnest at the final home match of the campaign against Weymouth.
Just under 6000 spectators attended as captain Rhys Day received the Blue Square Premier trophy after the match.

The club also invited the 1992/93 squad back as official guests of the evening along with key personnel who played their part in the formation of the club. They were introduced to the crowd at half time amidst more emotional scenes. The presentation concluded with former Clapton Chairman Mike Fogg opening the decanter of Rum that he presented to the club in that opening fixture in August 1992. At the time he said that the Rum could only be opened when the town of Aldershot was back in the Football League. The time had come.

The season was full of other achievements too. The League Cup (Setanta Shield) was secured amidst a tremendous final against Rushden and DIamonds. 3714 spectators saw a 3-3 draw and Shots winning on penalties. Boss Waddock was awarded the Blue Square Conference Manager of the Season and dedicated it to Martin Kuhl and his players; Kirk Hudson was awarded "Young Player of the Season"; Nikki Bull (Conference Player of the Season) and Davies' goal at Torquay United received the "Goal of the Season Award. In addition the Shots goalkeeper Bull was also voted Player of the Season by the supporters and Player' Player of the Season too.
A truly special season indeed.

The summer period of 2008 saw a number of additions alongside the departure of exciting youngster Joel Grant who became the record sale in June 2008 when Crewe Alexandra paid £130,000 for his services. The return of the name of Aldershot to the Football League came on Saturday 9th August 2008, ironically at Accrington Stanley. A Scott Donnelly goal ensured an emotional day concluded with three points. A tremendous opening to the campaign saw victories secured against established Football League sides including Bradford City, Gillingham and Wycombe Wanderers. The second half of the season was tougher but a respectable final placing of 15th was the highest from a Conference winning team for five seasons. Goalkeeper Nikki Bull completed 300 appearances for the club. However the end of the campaign saw boss Waddock forced to reduce his playing budget for the 2009/10 season. In doing so it ensured the departure of senior players including club captain Rhys Day and the vastly experienced Ricky Newman who also combined roles as Reserve Team Coach.

The start of the 2009/10 season was met with sadness at the club with the passing of Chairman John McGinty in August. The respected Irishman played a major role as the club progressed to the Football League and had a unique ability of engaging all areas of the football club. A Memorial Service was held in his honour at the Recreation Ground.

In October 2009 boss Waddock ended a highly successful two and a half year period at the club when he left to join Football League One side Wycombe Wanderers. He had an exceptional record of winning 50% of the 128 matches he was in charge of. Joining the boss at Adams Park was Martin Kuhl therefore ending an eight year association with the club. Former Southampton defender Jason Dodd, assisted by Paul Williams took charge of the team on a caretaker basis. In the Boardroom John Leppard, a Director since 1997, became Acting Chairman.

On Monday 9th November 2009 former Portsmouth and Birmingham City midfielder Kevin Dillon was appointed permanent manager in a deal through to the summer of 2011 whilst former Sunderland player Gary Owers was named as Assistant Manager. Stalwart Goalkeeping Coach Paul Priddy departed the club after 15 years service in December 2009.

For the club to be able to stabilise its Football League existence the support of the local community has never been as vital at it is today.