More than five years after leaving Maidstone, Harry Wheeler has talked about his time as manager.
Wheeler replaced Jay Saunders at the Gallagher Stadium and led the Stones for fewer than four months.
After making his first appearance back as St Albans’ head coach last weekend, he took some time to reflect on his brief tenure and determined that his biggest error had been not having an experienced deputy manager.
In September 2018, Wheeler—who was only thirty years old at the time—was Saunders’ unexpected successor.
The youthful manager, who had been fired by Billericay only months after winning the Isthmian Premier title, astounded the team, which had been searching for an experienced addition.
After losing 3-1 at Dover on Boxing Day, he left by mutual consent amid a toxic atmosphere in the away end, having won two of his first three National League games at Maidstone but only one of his next 12.
Wheeler, who had signed 19 players and made drastic roster changes, had lost five games in a row. They were also five points from safety.
“I learnt a lot,” Wheeler told KentOnline.
“You do realize that your lessons are worth more than your victories?
“Let me start by saying that I put forth the most effort possible at work.
You learn as you go along, and this league was considerably different from the one I had just left.
Sometimes you learn and succeed, and other times you learn and don’t get the desired results.
“We simply had a lot of lessons and didn’t quite get the results; we never really got beaten badly.”
When we think back on it, there are undoubtedly things we would do differently if we had the chance to do it over.
“I always wanted to do my best, and I will give everything I have.”
“I would have literally done everything to achieve those outcomes.”
“Afterward, I took stock of my performance, both good and bad, and considered what I would do differently if I were given the chance to work at a different club.
Considering yourself is the most important thing you can do.
“It was enjoyable, but naturally, I wish we had performed better.”
Wheeler, a UEFA A coach in his early twenties, believes he was not overqualified for the Maidstone position.
He remained faithful to Tristan Lewis, his Billericay assistant, but wished he had an experienced partner.
Wheeler remarked, “Looking back, I would have had a more seasoned assistant with me.”
“We would have done better if we had had a young manager with experience who has been around for 50 or 60 years, like I see the young managers in the National League who have done well.
“We would have had someone with me who knew the level a little bit more, but I coach people really well.”
That’s what I would have done differently, but ultimately, that failure is on me because I made that decision, not because I’m passing the blame.
“You give everything you can and you fall short sometimes and you learn lessons that stand you in good stead.
“It works out at some places, it doesn’t at others.
“I’ve still got admiration for the club.
“I’ve followed the FA Cup run and it’s been brilliant.
“They’re in a great place now and that’s the most important thing and the manager (George Elokobi) has done an unbelievable job.
“It’s been great to be back here. I only wish them well and the staff have been great again.”
Wheeler briefly returned to Billericay after leaving Maidstone but was sacked again in September 2019.
Prior to his January return to St Albans, where he first served as a caretaker alongside Jon Meakes, he had been away from football.
Since then, the position has been permanent, and the Saints—who defeated Maidstone 2-1 last weekend—are now assured of a spot in the National League South play-offs.
“I left here and had quite a few offers,” Wheeler remarked.
After attending one club, Barricay, I made the decision to take a break and prepare a few things for my family.
The enterprises I started took off and eventually took over my life, making it financially unfeasible for me to return to football for my family.
“The more jobs you turn down, the more you think that’s the last one, then St Albans came in and it’s local to me and I’ve enjoyed it and I’ve got a bit more time. Those opportunities are always there but I’ve got other priorities.”
Wheeler, still only 35, has time on his side if he decides to go back in as a No.1.
That said, a coaching role is more likely to appeal.
For now, he’s enjoying his work under Meakes at St Albans.
“I’m tempted to work as a coach at the higher level,” he said.
“I’ve had offers to do that in the league and if I feel the time is right at one point, yes, I’d do it.
“I don’t over-think it too much – just go with the flow.”
There’s all to play for in the race for a National League South play-off place.
St Albans, who won again at Weston on Tuesday night, are fifth, with Maidstone outside the top seven on goal difference.
“The top eight or nine are really strong – it could be any of us,” said Wheeler. “We might see you in the final.”
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