THERE has been a merry-go-round at Waltham Forest FC this last week.
But it is not like one you ride at a fair ground, this one has been swirling on the football club’s training pitch and in the boardroom.
A whole swathe of senior staff at all tiers of the club have left, and the vacant seats promptly filled.
On Tuesday, club secretary Andy Perkins, said it is business as usual at the borough outfit.
Chairman Azomah Cofie is now the former chairman. It is understood that Mr Cofie has stepped down to pursue other business interests. He has a career in boxing promotions.
Issac Johnson succeeds him in the post at the summit of the club.
Top of his to-do list is surely the matter of a permanent home for the club to call its own. The displaced Stags currently play home games at the Cricklewood Stadium in Ilford, which is part of Redbridge.
Mr Johnson’s background in the construction industry should be an asset.
On the front-line, assistant boss Anthony Ferguson is gone, as is head coach Barry Todd.
It is understood that their departures over the Christmas period were sparked by differences over playing styles.
And last Saturday, team manager Tony Ievoli followed them out of the door.
His post has been filled by defender Olawale Ojelabi. He becomes player manager. The 27-year-old has been with the Stags since last September.
Coaching appointments will follow.
Mr Olawale Ojelabi, known at the club as Wali, holds a UEFA B coaching licence and is also employed at premier league Fulham where he coaches youngsters.
He is one of the youngest, if not the youngest, manager of a football club anywhere in the country. He takes up the reins when Waltham Forest lie second bottom of Ryman League Division 1 North.
Talking this week, a relaxed Mr Ojelabi said: “It’s a challenge. The age thing does not bother me because I know the game. it’s all about what you have upstairs.”
His first test is a trip this weekend to table-toppers Aveley. Mr Ojelabi vowed to attack.
He said: “We will take the game to them. There’s only small differences between all the teams in team. We expect them to be physical.
Our boys are most technically gifted in the league, but they are young. I want to bring experienced players to the club in time for Saturday.”
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