O’s head coach wishes Wheeler well, but only after cup tie is over
Billericay owner Glenn Tamplin (left) and head coach Harry Wheeler look on from the touchline (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo
Former Billericay Town head coach Harry Wheeler has impressed since taking over at Maidstone United
Justin Edinburgh was pleased to see Harry Wheeler given the chance to manage in the National League with Maidstone United last month and is hopeful he will enjoy success with the Kent club, but only after they have faced his Leyton Orient team this weekend.
Edinburgh, 48, is well versed with the area over the Dartford Crossing having been in charge of Gillingham between February 2015 and January 2017.
He also knows all about making a mark in non-league football before earning a chance higher up after he cut his teeth in management at the likes of Billericay Town, Fisher Athletic and Rushden & Diamonds before leading Newport County to promotion into the Football League.
While Edinburgh does not know new Stones boss Wheeler too well, he is happy to see the young coach rewarded for success after he had masterminded Billericay to a historic treble last season – Bostik Premier title, Velocity Trophy and Essex Senior Cup.
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“I don’t know Harry personally, but it is always good to see managers progress,” the O’s boss said, ahead of the fourth qualifying round FA Cup tie.
“People need opportunities and I obviously hope he does well at Maidstone, but of course not against us on Saturday.”
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Edinburgh is preparing his team for a demanding contest despite the fact they have 33 points in comparison to Maidstone’s tally of 14.
Orient have already won at the Stones this season too, but the 2-1 win achieved in the fourth league match of the season counts for nothing now.
Since then, Jay Saunders has departed the Gallagher Stadium and been replaced by ex-Billericay and Welling United head coach Wheeler and Edinburgh is aware the Kent outfit will pose a different test to the one O’s were faced with two months ago.
He said: “They will probably have a point to prove with us going there earlier in the season and winning.
“They have a new manager, so I am sure they have new ideas and they have had a bit of a bounce factor.
“It will be a different encounter and a different approach from the game we had there before.”