Gary Waddock

Gary Waddock was born and raised in Alperton, Brent, a mere 15 minutes from Wembley Stadium. He attended Lyon Park Primary School and Alperton High School and was deeply entrenched in local football, playing for both his school and district teams in north west London. With his sights firmly set on a career in the professional game, Gary was elated when Queens Park Rangers invited him in for training at just 13 years of age.

The invitation resulted in Gary signing schoolboy forms, which eventually turned into an apprenticeship with the W12 club. 

Four years later, at the age of 17, Tommy Docherty gave Gary Waddock his debut. It was November 1979, and Gary had been given the exciting news just one hour before kick-off. QPR thrashed Charlton Athletic 4-0 at home and Gary received positive feedback all around. Despite being left out of the next match, Gary had been given a taste of first team football, and it was enough to keep motivated. 

By the time he was 18, Gary was a first team regular and an R’s fan favourite, beloved for his tough tackles and penchant for winning possession. The home-grown youngster developed an unlatched rapport for his supporters — so much so that he insisted on joining them in the stands when he wasn’t playing. In 1982, QPR reached the FA Cup final under Manager, Terry Venables. The Championship club drew 1-1 with top flight Spurs, and narrowly lost 1-0 in the replay at Wembley Stadium.  

All the while, Gary was becoming a permanent fixture in the international landscape, representing Republic of Ireland at the U21, U23, and Senior levels. Between 1980 and 1990, he made 21 appearances and produced four goals, the majority of which came after a near-career ending injury.

Between an eight year spell at QPR, and spells at Charleroi, Millwall, Bristol Rovers, and Luton Town — where he was named Club Captain — Gary Waddock’s expansive playing career amounted to 531 appearances. His footballing experience came full circle when he returned to QPR as an Academy coach. He was then appointed Caretaker Manager, and full-time Manager in 2006. Much like his playing days, he had the weight of the QPR faithful behind him. Gary’s Managerial career grew to include roles with Aldershot Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Milton Keynes Dons, Oxford United, Barnet, Portsmouth, Southend United, and Cambridge, earning promotions with both Aldershot Town and Wycombe Wanderers.