Ironton
returned to the Citizens` helm in June 2019 after a four year break to take the
reins at Herns Lane, in succession to Dean Barker, who left for Kings Langley.
Ironton
managed Arlesey Town in two spells, winning three successive Isthmian League
promotions and taking the Bedfordshire side to the First Round of the FA Cup
and quarter finals of the FA Trophy.
He
also developed the careers of Dave Kitson, Craig Mackail-Smith and Jack Midson
before they all went into the professional game.
Ironton
spent two seasons at Ware, saving the East Hertfordshire club from near certain
relegation and has also managed Vanarama National League South outfit Hemel
Hempstead Town.
A
former England semi-professional international midfielder Ironton enjoyed a
glittering playing career winning two Conference titles and an FA Trophy with
Enfield and a third Conference crown with Barnet, having begun as a
professional at Queens Park Rangers.
His
first season back in charge of Welwyn Garden City was ended by the pandemic
with the Citizens sitting fourth in the table, and the second campaign saw
Ironton`s side reach the Third Round of the FA Trophy.
But
a behind-closed-doors encounter was lost 5-1.
This
season saw the Citizens finish fifth, but they were denied a place in the
play-offs due to ground grading issues and, ironically, the team that finished
sixth and replaced them in the play-offs, North Leigh, went on to beat Ware and
win a place in the Premier Division Central. |