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Tommy Widdrington

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Tommy Widdrington
Personal information
Full name Thomas Widdrington[1]
Date of birth (1971-10-01) 1 October 1971 (age 53)[2]
Place of birth Newcastle upon Tyne, England[2]
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[3]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
Aldershot Town (manager)
Youth career
Wallsend Boys Club
1987–1990 Southampton
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1990–1996 Southampton 75 (3)
1991Wigan Athletic (loan) 6 (0)
1996–1999 Grimsby Town 89 (8)
1999Port Vale (loan) 9 (1)
1999–2001 Port Vale 73 (7)
2001–2003 Hartlepool United 56 (5)
2003–2005 Macclesfield Town 58 (0)
2005 Port Vale 6 (0)
2005–2010 Salisbury City 46 (2)
Total 418 (26)
Managerial career
2009–2010 Salisbury City
2011–2012 Hemel Hempstead Town
2012–2017 Eastbourne Borough
2020 Bristol Rovers (caretaker)
2021 Bristol Rovers (caretaker)
2021–2023 King's Lynn Town
2023– Aldershot Town
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Thomas Widdrington (born 1 October 1971) is an English former football player and manager who is manager of National League club Aldershot Town.

As a midfielder, he made 372 appearances in the English Football League in a 15-year career before spending five years in non-League football. His career began at Southampton in 1990, where he spent the first six years of his career, most of which were in the Premier League. In 1996, he moved to Grimsby Town, helping the "Mariners" to the Football League Trophy and promotion out of the Second Division in 1998. The next year, he moved on to Port Vale for two years. Voted the club's Player of the Year in 2000, he captained the "Valiants" to the League Trophy in 2001. Later in the year, he was transferred to Hartlepool United, helping the club to win promotion out of League Two in 2002–03 before he moved on to Macclesfield Town. In 2005, his career in the Football League ended in Port Vale. He then spent 2005 to 2010 at non-League Salisbury City. He enjoyed promotion four times with three clubs and lifted the Football League Trophy twice as a player.

Player-manager at Salisbury City for the 2009–10 season, he returned to the Football League at Southend United as assistant manager but left the position in December 2010. He was appointed Hemel Hempstead Town manager in October 2011 before he was put in charge at Eastbourne Borough in February 2012. He left Eastbourne Borough in April 2017 and went on to work as head of recruitment at Coventry City and Bristol Rovers before becoming caretaker manager of the latter in November 2020. He returned to full-time management at King's Lynn Town in December 2021 and took charge of Aldershot Town in April 2023.

Playing career

[edit]

Southampton

[edit]

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Widdrington started his career as a Southampton schoolboy trainee at the age of fifteen, having been scouted by the man who brought Alan Shearer to the club, Jack Hixon.[2][4] Manager Lawrie McMenemy had a Centre of Excellence at Gateshead Stadium, despite the long distance between Southampton and North East England.[5] He signed a professional contract with the First Division club in May 1990. He enjoyed a short loan spell at Third Division club Wigan Athletic at the start of the 1991–92 season. Ian Branfoot handed him his "Saints" debut at Everton on 1 March 1992, though it was under his successor, Alan Ball, that Widdrington enjoyed regular football.[2][5]

A tough, no-nonsense midfield player, he survived some frantic managerial changes to carve out a respectable Premier League career over four years for Southampton. He did not become a regular player until the 1994–95 season when he made 28 league appearances without scoring as the "Saints" finished tenth in the league. He made a further 21 appearances in the 1995–96 season, scoring twice, as the "Saints" narrowly avoided relegation, but still reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup.[6]

He was not far short of making 100 appearances in total when, in July 1996, Grimsby Town came in with a club record offer of £300,000 – as "Saints" had yet another new manager in Graeme Souness.[7] Widdrington decided to accept their terms and headed to Blundell Park, turning down rival approaches from Charlton Athletic and Swindon Town as he was convinced by manager Brian Laws's sales pitch.[5]

Grimsby Town

[edit]

Grimsby were a struggling First Division side and Widdrington found a lot of disharmony in the dressing room, with Laws quickly departing.[5] Widdrington fell out with Laws replacement, Alan Buckley, though he still enjoyed his time at the club.[5] Grimsby suffered relegation at the end of the 1996–97 campaign, although Widdrington did score a memorable goal past Southend United on the last day of the season. They enjoyed an immediate return in 1997–98 after winning the play-off final against Northampton Town 1–0. However, injury meant that he missed out on the Football League Trophy final victory over AFC Bournemouth at Wembley. Widdrington played his last game for the "Mariners" towards the end of the 1998–99 season when he was loaned out to Port Vale for the final three months of the season.

Port Vale

[edit]

At the end of the 1998–99 season Port Vale signed Widdrington (now out of contract, and transfer–listed) on a free transfer. He was sent off against Bury on the final day of the 1998–99 season, and he returned to action as the new club captain in 1999–2000 by getting sent off in the opening minute of a 4–2 defeat at Birmingham City after a dangerous tackle on Paul Furlong.[5] Supporters voted him Player of the Year for the 1999–2000 season, as the "Valiants" suffered relegation into the Second Division.[5]

Manager Brian Horton appointed Widdrington as club-captain for the 2000–01 season. He played every game of the club's League Trophy run,[8] but played no part in the final. He made over 80 appearances at Vale Park before being released at the end of the 2000–01 season.

Later career

[edit]

Linked with Colchester United,[9] Widdrington instead moved north to join up with Hartlepool United.[10] He was a regular for the club and earned promotion to the Second Division with the club in the 2002–03 season, before he was released upon its conclusion.[11]

In July 2003 he was targeted by Oxford United.[12] Instead Widdrington made his next port of call at Macclesfield Town, managed by former boss Brian Horton.[13] He settled in quickly and became an indispensable player for the Third Division strugglers, acting as their captain for the 2004–05 season.[14] In January 2005, Horton put him on the transfer list,[15] and Widdrington then decided to call it a day at Macclesfield and in a twist, joined former club Port Vale on a non-contract basis.[16]

Style of play

[edit]

Widdrington was a midfielder, but could also fill in at full-back.[7] He was tough and combative.[2]

Coaching career

[edit]

Salisbury City

[edit]

Widdrington joined Salisbury City in February 2005. His capture from Port Vale was an integral part of the club's development under manager Nick Holmes, helping the club to the highest point in its history. Over time his role became that of a coach, rather than a player.

On 8 September 2007, Widdrington was involved in a touchline incident with Rushden & Diamonds boss Garry Hill.[17] The pair began arguing and Hill headbutted Widdrington, breaking his nose.[18] Both men received fines from their clubs and Hill was also given a ten match touchline ban and a fine of £1,500.[19][20] Later that year Widdrington was suspended by the club pending an 'internal disciplinary inquiry', but was soon allowed to return to work, with a statement being released saying: "No charges have been brought against Tommy and everyone at the club looks forward to working with him towards continued success."[21] The following year Rushden banned him from Nene Park in the return fixture, despite no authorisation from The Football Association for the action.[22]

He took over as manager in July 2009 after Nick Holmes took the role of general manager.[23] He won the Conference National Manager of the Month award in April 2010.[24] However, he left the club after they were expelled from the Conference National due to them entering administration.

Southend United & Hemel Hempstead Town

[edit]

In July 2010, Widdrington was named assistant to new Southend United manager Paul Sturrock.[25] His employment was terminated on 15 December 2010 as Sturrock needed "a fresh impetus".[26] The club promoted from within in appointing Graham Coughlan as his replacement.

In October 2011, Widdrington was appointed as manager of struggling Southern League side Hemel Hempstead Town.[27] His stay was short, as he found employment at a club in a higher league mid-way through the season.

Eastbourne Borough

[edit]

In February 2012, Widdrington was appointed as manager of Eastbourne Borough, taking over from long-serving manager Garry Wilson, with the remit of keeping the club in the Conference South.[28] He signed both Ronnie Bull and Stuart Anderson from Salisbury, and both Marvin Hamilton and Ellis Remy from Hemel Hampstead, also bringing in goalkeeper Mitch Walker on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.[29] They ended the 2011–12 season two places and two points above the drop zone, and went on to finish safely in 12th spot in 2012–13. After an unbeaten start to the 2013–14 season, Widdrington was named as the Conference South Manager of the Month for August.[30] The "Sports" ended the 2013–14 campaign in tenth place.

After guiding Borough to top of the table with four wins and two draws at the start of the 2014–15 season he was named as Conference South Manager of the Month for the second-successive August.[31] They ended the campaign in 11th place and then finished 17th in 2015–16. They won the Sussex Senior Challenge Cup in 2016 after beating Worthing 1–0 in the final at Falmer Stadium.[32] He left the club by mutual consent on 7 April 2017, leaving Borough 11th in the National League South table, 20 points clear of relegation and 18 adrift of the play-off places.[33]

Backroom roles

[edit]

Widdrington was appointed head of recruitment at Coventry City on 10 April 2017.[34] On 1 May 2018, he left Coventry City and took up a similar position at Bristol Rovers.[35][36] His son, Theo, was signed up two months later.[37] With the aim of recruiting players on a low wage to try and sell on for a profit, he also brought in: Jonson Clarke-Harris, Abu Ogogo, Anssi Jaakkola, Josh Hare, Tom Davies, Mark Little and Luke Leahy.[38] Widdrington became the club's caretaker manager following the sacking of Ben Garner on 14 November 2020, with Rovers sitting 18th in League One.[39] He oversaw a 4–3 victory over Chelsea U21 in the EFL Trophy on 18 November, before Paul Tisdale was appointed as permanent manager the following day.[40]

On 10 February 2021, Widdrington was once again installed as caretaker manager following the dismissal of Paul Tisdale.[41] He was in this position until Joey Barton was appointed as manager 11 days later, having overseen a 3–1 victory over Portsmouth and a 2–0 defeat to Gillingham.[42][43][44] Following the club's relegation to League Two at the end of the 2020–21 season, the Director of Football role was removed from the club's board with Widdrington now taking on the role of Director in charge of outgoing loan deals and "ensuring the strategic vision is followed at all levels throughout the club".[45] As the club moved into the new season, manager Joey Barton and Widdrington had a strained relationship with Barton claiming in October 2021 that he had no relationship with Widdrington or his scouting team.[46] On 3 December 2021, Widdrington departed Bristol Rovers.[47]

King's Lynn Town

[edit]

On 10 December 2021, Widdrington was appointed manager of King's Lynn Town, who were second-from-bottom of the National League.[48] His first match in charge was the following day and saw his new side defeat bottom side Dover Athletic 2–1 thanks to a double from Josh Barrett whom had been brought in to Bristol Rovers under Widdrington.[49] Lynn's relegation to the National League North was confirmed in the penultimate match of the 2021–22 season with a 3–3 draw with Eastleigh.[50]

An impressive start to life back in the sixth tier saw Widdrington awarded the National League North Manager of the Month award for August 2022 having earned sixteen points from a possible eighteen.[51] King's Lynn knocked League Two side Doncaster Rovers out of the first round of the FA Cup with a 1–0 win at the Eco-Power Stadium.[52] On 1 April 2023, following a 1–0 victory to keep his side second in the league, Widdrington's resignation was announced to allow him to take a new role at another club.[53] The club noted that no agreement had been reached between the two clubs or between King's Lynn Town and Widdrington.[54]

Aldershot Town

[edit]

The following day to his resignation from King's Lynn Town, Widdrington was announced as the new manager of National League strugglers Aldershot Town.[55] Aldershot ended the 2022–23 campaign in 18th-place, five points above the relegation zone, having remained unbeaten for the final six games.[56]

On 3 November 2023, Widdrington signed new terms with Aldershot with the club in seventh place in the National League.[57] The following day, his side won 7–4 at Swindon Town in the first round of the FA Cup, becoming the first non-League team to score seven goals past a Football League side in the competition.[58] On 13 December 2023, Widdrington was named National League Manager of the Month for November having picked up three wins from four.[59] Later that day, his side progressed to the FA Cup third round for the first time in eleven years, defeating League Two leaders Stockport County 1–0 away from home having drawn 2–2 at home in the previous fixture.[60] They exited the competition with a 4–1 defeat at Championship side West Bromwich Albion with what he described as "a right good go".[61] Aldershot ended the 2023–24 season with eighth place, two points outside the play-off places, having drawn to Dagenham & Redbridge on the final day.[62] He was named as National League Manager of the Week on three occasions.[63][64][65]

Personal life

[edit]

Widdrington celebrated his goal for Port Vale against Brentford on 24 October 2000 with five bottles of Budweiser and subsequently crashed his BMW into a set of traffic lights in Hanley early the following morning.[66] He was charged with refusing to take part in police drink-driving tests and entered a Guilty plea.[67][68] He was banned from driving for 12 months and given a £500 fine.[66]

His eldest son Kai is a professional dancer appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.[69] His younger son, Theo, turned professional at Portsmouth in April 2017.[70]

On 27 November 2024, Widdrington was taken to hospital having falling ill, tests revealing that he had suffered two strokes.[71]

Career statistics

[edit]

Playing statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[72]
Club Season League FA Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Southampton 1990–91 First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1991–92 First Division 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
1992–93 Premier League 12 0 0 0 1 0 13 0
1993–94 Premier League 11 1 2 0 0 0 13 1
1994–95 Premier League 28 0 5 0 1 0 34 0
1995–96 Premier League 21 2 4 0 2 0 27 2
Total 75 3 11 0 4 0 90 3
Wigan Athletic (loan) 1991–92 Third Division 6 0 0 0 2 0 8 0
Grimsby Town 1996–97 First Division 42 4 1 0 2 0 45 4
1997–98 Second Division 21 3 2 0 7 0 30 3
1998–99 First Division 26 1 1 0 5 0 32 1
Total 89 8 4 0 14 0 107 8
Port Vale 1998–99 First Division 9 1 0 0 0 0 9 1
1999–2000 First Division 38 5 1 0 0 0 39 5
2000–01 Second Division 35 2 1 0 5 0 41 2
Total 82 8 2 0 5 0 89 8
Hartlepool United 2001–02 Third Division 24 2 1 0 2 0 27 2
2002–03 Third Division 32 3 1 0 1 0 34 3
Total 56 5 2 0 3 0 61 5
Macclesfield Town 2003–04 Third Division 35 0 3 0 1 0 39 0
2004–05 League Two 23 0 2 0 4 0 29 0
Total 58 0 5 0 5 0 68 0
Port Vale 2004–05 League One 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0
Career total 372 24 24 0 33 0 429 24

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of 14 December 2024
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Salisbury City 29 July 2009 5 July 2010 54 26 7 21 048.15 [73]
Hemel Hempstead Town 5 October 2011 1 February 2012 19 5 8 6 026.32 [74]
Eastbourne Borough 1 February 2012 7 April 2017 247 86 65 96 034.82 [75]
Bristol Rovers (caretaker) 14 November 2020 19 November 2020 1 1 0 0 100.00 [76]
Bristol Rovers (caretaker) 10 February 2021 22 February 2021 2 1 0 1 050.00
King's Lynn Town 10 December 2021 1 April 2023 73 30 22 21 041.10 [76]
Aldershot Town 2 April 2023 Present 86 34 21 31 039.53 [76]
Total 482 183 123 176 037.97

Honours

[edit]

As a player

[edit]

Grimsby Town

Port Vale

Hartlepool United

Salisbury City

Individual

As a manager

[edit]

Eastbourne Borough

Individual

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Tommy Widdrington". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 9 March 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Tommy Widdrington | SaintsPlayers.co.uk". saintsplayers.co.uk. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  3. ^ "FootballSquads - Port Vale - 2004/05". www.footballsquads.co.uk. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Widdo: I'm Captain because I'm mouthy". onevalefan.co.uk. 27 January 2012. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g The Tommy Widdrington Interview (Part 1) (133 ed.). The Vale Park Beano.
  6. ^ "Tommy Widdrington". sporting-heroes.net. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  7. ^ a b PV Eye: the Official Matchday Magazine of Port Vale F.C. 2 March 1999. p. 22.
  8. ^ "Port Vale's route to Cardiff". BBC Sport. 18 April 2001. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  9. ^ "Colchester boss in transfer talks". BBC Sport. 3 July 2001. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  10. ^ "Hartlepool sign trio". BBC Sport. 15 July 2001. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  11. ^ a b "Pool part with Widdrington". BBC Sport. 15 May 2003. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  12. ^ "Oxford target Widdrington". BBC Sport. 19 July 2003. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  13. ^ "Widdrington joins Macclesfield". BBC Sport. 19 August 2003. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  14. ^ "Widdrington extends stay". BBC Sport. 21 June 2004. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  15. ^ "Duo transfer-listed at Moss Rose". BBC Sport. 7 January 2005. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  16. ^ "Widdrington joins Port Vale again". BBC Sport. 14 January 2005. Retrieved 13 July 2009.
  17. ^ "Rushden boss Hill charged by FA". BBC Sport. 12 September 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  18. ^ "Rushden launch probe into fracas". BBC Sport. 11 September 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  19. ^ "Rushden manager fined for attack". BBC Sport. 19 December 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  20. ^ "Rushden boss Hill suspended by FA". BBC Sport. 5 October 2007. Retrieved 12 July 2009.
  21. ^ "Widdrington returns to Salisbury". BBC Sport. 6 December 2007. Retrieved 13 July 2009.
  22. ^ "Whites blast ban on Widdrington". BBC Sport. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 13 July 2009.
  23. ^ "Widdrington named Salisbury boss". BBC Sport. 29 July 2009. Retrieved 30 July 2009.
  24. ^ a b "Salisbury Thrill Under Widdrington". Blue Sq. 19 May 2010. Archived from the original on 23 May 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2010.
  25. ^ "Tommy Widdrington backs Salisbury City to rise". BBC Sport. 5 July 2010. Retrieved 5 July 2010.
  26. ^ "Club statement: Tommy Widdrington". Southend United FC. 15 December 2010. Retrieved 16 December 2010.
  27. ^ Hemel Hempstead Town FC Announce New Manager Mark Steiner pitchero.com (5 October 2011)
  28. ^ "Widdrington: I want to be part of another successful era with Eastbourne Borough". Eastbourne Herald. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  29. ^ "Relegation battle holds no fear for Widdrington". Eastbourne Herald. 24 April 2012. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  30. ^ a b "Conference Monthly Awards". herefordunited.co.uk. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  31. ^ a b Peskett, Lee. "Widdrington Manager Of The Month For August". ebfc.co.uk. Retrieved 6 September 2014.
  32. ^ a b Berry, Ollie (20 May 2016). "Borough boss Widdrington hails special night for cup heroes". Eastbourne Herald. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
  33. ^ "Tommy Widdrington: Eastbourne Borough manager leaves after five years in charge". BBC Sport. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  34. ^ "Coventry City role for ex-Borough boss Widdrington". Eastbourne Herald. 10 April 2017. Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  35. ^ "Head of Recruitment Tommy Widdrington leaves Coventry City". Coventry City F.C. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  36. ^ "Bristol Rovers: Tommy Widdrington moves from Coventry City as recruitment boss". BBC Sport. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  37. ^ Oliver Willis (2 July 2018). "The lowdown on Theo Widdrington - the young midfielder Bristol Rovers have snapped up after Portsmouth release". Bristol Post. Retrieved 15 November 2018.
  38. ^ Piercy, James (27 November 2019). "How Tommy Widdrington dragged Rovers kicking and screaming into the 21st Century". BristolLive. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  39. ^ Frost, Sam (14 November 2020). "Ben Garner sacked by Bristol Rovers after Fleetwood Town defeat". BristolLive. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  40. ^ "Papa John's Trophy Match Report: Bristol Rovers 4-3 Chelsea U21s". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  41. ^ "Statement: Paul Tisdale". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 10 February 2021.
  42. ^ "Joey Barton Announced as Bristol Rovers Manager". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 22 February 2021.
  43. ^ "Bristol Rovers 3–1 Portsmouth". BBC Sport. 16 February 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  44. ^ "Gillingham 2–0 Bristol Rovers". BBC Sport. 20 February 2021. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  45. ^ "Director of Football Role Removed from the Club's Board". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 10 June 2021.
  46. ^ Frost, Sam (19 October 2021). "Joey Barton on Widdrington, scouting and the 'masses of change' he wants at Bristol Rovers". Bristol Post. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  47. ^ "Statement - Tommy Widdrington". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 3 December 2021. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
  48. ^ "New Linnets manager unveiled - and it's Strictly business". Eastern Daily Press. 10 December 2021.
  49. ^ "King's Lynn Town 2–1 Dover Athletic". BBC Sport. 11 December 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  50. ^ "King's Lynn Town 3–3 Eastleigh". BBC Sport. 30 April 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  51. ^ a b "Top Trio Handed August's National League North Accolades". www.thenationalleague.org.uk. 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  52. ^ "Doncaster Rovers 0-1 King's Lynn Town". BBC Sport. 5 November 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  53. ^ @officialKLtown (1 April 2023). "The Club are disappointed to have been told by our manager Tommy Widdrington this evening that he is resigning in order to take up an alternative post at another club" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 April 2023 – via Twitter.
  54. ^ Plummer, Greg (1 April 2023). "Widdrington leaves Linnets as manager". Lynn News. Retrieved 3 April 2023.
  55. ^ "Club statement". www.theshots.co.uk. 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  56. ^ "A Year Under Tommy Widdrington | Aldershot Town FC". theshots.co.uk. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  57. ^ "Tommy Widdrington commits his future to the Shots!". Aldershot Town FC. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
  58. ^ Baggaley, Mike (6 November 2023). "Taking chances and limited options as Port Vale prepare for Wrexham". Valiant's Substack. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  59. ^ a b "It's A Wearne And Widdrington Show As Awards Are Dished Out!". www.thenationalleague.org.uk. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  60. ^ "Stockport County 0–1 Aldershot Town: National League side shock League Two leaders in FA Cup Second Round replay". BBC Sport. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  61. ^ "Aldershot had a right good go at West Brom - Widdrington". BBC Sport. 7 January 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  62. ^ White, Tom (23 April 2024). "Widdrington proud of Shots after missing out on play-offs after draw". Farnham Herald. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  63. ^ "Tommy Widdrington named Vanarama Manager of the Week! | Aldershot Town FC". theshots.co.uk. 10 October 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  64. ^ "Tommy Widdrington named Vanarama's Manager of the Week! | Aldershot Town FC". theshots.co.uk. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  65. ^ "TOMMY WIDDRINGTON NAMED MANAGER OF THE WEEK! | Aldershot Town FC". theshots.co.uk. 13 March 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  66. ^ a b "Soccer star banned for drink-drive accident". Birmingham Post. 8 December 2000. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  67. ^ "Port Vale captain charged". Birmingham Post. 28 October 2000. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  68. ^ "Footballer in court". Coventry Telegraph. 10 November 2000. Retrieved 22 April 2012.
  69. ^ Dotta, Marino. "Dancing With the Stars - Ireland - Kai Widdrington, professional dancer". www.kaiwiddrington.com. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  70. ^ Weld, Neil (10 April 2017). "Pompey Academy duo Jez Bedford and Theo Widdrington offered pro deals Portsmouth". Retrieved 10 April 2017.
  71. ^ "Tommy Widdrington Update". www.theshots.co.uk. 6 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  72. ^ Tommy Widdrington at the English National Football Archive (subscription required)
  73. ^ "Salisbury City FC: Matches". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  74. ^ "Hemel Hempstead Town FC: Matches". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  75. ^ "Eastbourne Borough FC: Matches". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  76. ^ a b c Thomas Widdrington management career statistics at Soccerbase
  77. ^ "Vale vault Brentford to lift Vans trophy". BBC Sport. 22 April 2001. Retrieved 19 January 2016.