Neal Ardley has been appointed director of football at Walton & Hersham as the club seeks to address a difficult start to its campaign in Step 2 of the English football pyramid. The 54-year-old, whose managerial resume includes stints at Notts County, Solihull Moors, York City, and most recently Woking, will focus on recruitment, player development, and squad building at the Xcel Stadium.

Walton & Hersham began their season with five consecutive league defeats, a poor run that led to the dismissal of manager Kevin James and assistant Julian Charles after just three months in charge. Since then, interim managers Wayne Andrews and Ruben Gaspar have overseen the team's first point of the season, a draw against Truro City last Saturday.

Ardley cited the forthrightness of the club’s board as a key factor in accepting the new role. "I’ve really enjoyed sitting down with the owners and hearing just how honest they’ve been about where the club is at, and the challenges that lie ahead," Ardley said. "That honesty is a big part of what’s drawn me to this role. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in, working closely with the management team and the players, and doing everything I can to help us face those challenges together."

The club's struggles on the pitch have coincided with ongoing disagreements between Walton & Hersham and their stadium landlords, Elmbridge Borough Council. Tensions between the two parties have occasionally surfaced during matchdays, further complicating the club’s current situation.

Ardley, who also played in the Premier League with Wimbledon and spent time at Watford, Cardiff City, and Millwall during his playing career, will work alongside the interim coaching staff as the club aims to stabilize its performance and reestablish momentum for the remainder of the season.