Virginia Water appoint FA Vase winning captain as new boss

Combined Counties League Premier Division North Virginia Water have appointed a former Ascot United captain and FA Vase winner as the clubs new Player/Manager.

Dan Bailey, who joined the club midway through last season after leaving the Yellas, has taken up the role after the departure of Adam Sams after two seasons in charge.

“Delighted to accept this role and I’m grateful to the club for giving me my first opportunity in management,” wrote Bailey on Social Media.

“I’m lucky to have a fantastic young squad who want to learn and improve, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve this season,” he continued.

The new Virginia Water Player/Manager featured 26 times last season under the departing Sams and the team have had a positive start to 25/26, picking up a point in the opening two matches while advancing to the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup after defeating Thornbury Town 3-2 in an Extra Preliminary Round replay.

He lifted the FA Vase at Wembley in 2023 with the Yellas after beating Newport Pagnell Town 1-0 in the Final. Bailey went on to make over 150 appearances for the Yellas with former Ascot boss Jamie Tompkins saying at his milestone 150th appearance: “I was particularly impressed with Dan’s performance against a lively attack and on his 150th game for the club. As our captain, he was a defensive rock and handled a challenging forward line comfortably. Overall, I’m delighted with Dan’s and the team’s performance and we can look forward to Saturday’s FA Trophy game against Margate.”

In a statement at the end of July titled ‘Thank you Samsy!’, Sams departure was revealed: “It is with regret that Adam Sams has decided to step down as manager with immediate effect for family reasons. We totally understand his decision and would like to thank Adam for all his effort, dedication and contribution during his tenure at VWFC.

“Over the past two seasons, Adam has led the club to consecutive top half finishes, a Combined Counties League Cup Final and the clubs furthest run in the FA Cup. Adam will always be welcome at the club moving forward.”

Virginia Water have league finishes of 7th, 7th and 9th in the last three seasons, while 24/25 saw the club reach the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup, beating Ascot United en route before losing away to Horsham.