New Cuthbury | Photo by Kyran Rickman.
Jimmy Glass, the new general manager of Wimborne Town, has set himself a personal goal of achieving promotion to the National League within five years.
Glass, 50, stirred eyebrows by leaving the Premier League for non-league when he joined the Magpies in July.
Glass resigned his position as Player Liaison Officer at AFC Bournemouth, where he played 111 games during his career.
Jimmy Glass | Photo by Kyran Rickman.
Jimmy Glass | Photo by Kyran Rickman.
Glass set an ambitious plan for the Southern League Division One South [step four] side, saying: “My goal is to be in the National League within the next four to five years.
“If I’m out by a year or two, that’s fine; it’s not that crucial if we’re not there. If we fall short and wind up in the National South, it will not be the end of the world.”
The Magpies’ highest tier has been the Southern League Premier [step three], from which they were demoted in 2022 after four seasons.
“I envision Wimborne becoming the best club outside of the Vitality Stadium in the surrounding districts.
“I only know how to work one way; I’ve worked closely with arguably one of the Premier League’s top three managers.”
“Eddie Howe is a precision man who liked to get things right and that’s the mindset I want to bring to this club.”
Glass’ appointment was made by Wimborne owner Martin Higgins, who, along with co-owners Lee Merrifield and Adam Tovey, took over the Magpies in December 2021.
Merrifield stated, “Martin and Jimmy had a meeting about something completely different than Wimborne.”
“But, during the conference, Wimborne came up. Jimmy was drawn to the potential because he saw our ambition, which he believes he can contribute to.
Wimborne has started the season strongly, sitting first and boasting the league’s highest average attendance of 557, more than 150 more than the next highest, Bashley.
Club writer Graham Dunn has noted the changes Glass has made, from cleaning up the car park to securing more match sponsors and AFC Bournemouth Academy collaborations.
Dunn elaborated: “He wants everything about the matchday experience to be the best in this league and the league above.”
Wimborne shown its capacity to achieve this when hosting Torquay United in the FA Cup in September, setting a new ground record of 1,852.
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