Where Are They Now?                                   Profiles of ex-Luton players

Gary Waddock

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Height: 5ft, 10in. Weight: 12st, 5lb. Born: Kingsbury, 17.03.1962. Nationality: Eire. International Honours: Eire, 21 full caps, Eire B, 1 cap, Eire U-23, 1 cap, Eire U-21, 1 cap.

A tough tackling, hardworking anchor man, Gary began his career as an apprentice at Queens Park Rangers, and made his first-team debut in 1979.  A regular first-team member for 8 years at Loftus Road, he earned a reputation as a 'hardman' very much in the Vinny Jones and Terry Hurlock mould (although he didn't get sent-off as much!).  He picked up Eire U-21, U-23, B and full caps whilst in London and was a very popular figure with the supporters.  However, he picked up a very serious knee injury and was forced to move abroad.

In December 1987, Gary moved on a free transfer to Belgian side Charleroi after 240 appearances and 10 goals for Queens Park Rangers.  He spent just under two years in Belgium before deciding to try his luck in the English game once more.  Still a full international, he signed for Millwall on August 16th 1989 for £130,000 and he quickly settled in at The Den becoming a huge favourite with the fans who loved his never-say-die attitude and his fierce tackles.  After 71 appearances for the Lions, it was time for Gary to make a sentimental return to Queens Park Rangers.  In December 1991, Millwall reluctantly allowed him to return to his 'home' on a free transfer.

Waddock salutes a rare goal.

Unfortunately for Gary, the move was a disaster.  Not picked on a single occasion, he was loaned to Swindon in March 1992, and he made 6 appearances for the County Ground club.  He returned to the bewilder ness of Loftus Road and, after another 7 months in the reserves, and not a single appearance, he moved to Bristol Rovers for £100,000 in November 1992.  He was again a favourite with the supporters as they endured an uncertain time off of the pitch financially and were also playing their home matches at Bath's Twerton Park.  After 77 appearances for the Bristol club in just under two years, he had lost his first-team place and he was loaned to Luton who were struggling in the First Division under David Pleat.

He quickly settled in at Kenilworth Road and, after helping the club to a respectable league finish, he joined permanently on a free transfer.  Having made 67 appearances and scored 1 goal, his best season arguably came in the 1995-96 campaign.  He was not a regular in the side at the beginning of the season, but he won back his place to become one of the few Town players to be able to claim a good season.  Although battling hard to keep the team out of the relegation zone (which they eventually failed to do), unfortunately injury and suspension kept him out at crucial times towards the end of the campaign.  However, his trojan efforts in midfield, winning the ball and breaking up opposing attacks, was recognised by his team mates who elected him as their "Player of the Year".

Gary was rewarded for his tenacity and ball-winning, defensive midfield skills by being awarded the club captaincy, and he led the team to the brink of promotion back to the First Division in the 1996-97 season.  An excellent reader of the game, he frequently stopped the midfield being overrun and distributed the ball well out of defence, often to players in wide positions, and on the rare occasions when he was unable to make the starting line-up, his presence was sorely missed.

Gary needed all of his fighting spirit and high work rate qualities to lift an often uninspiring Luton team, beset by injuries throughout the 1997-98 season.  He had few opportunities to show his attacking skills, but finally led the club to safety at the end of a tough campaign, mainly through determination and personal example.  However, Gary was released on a free transfer at the end of the season by Hatters manager Lennie Lawrence, and when the offer came to return to Queens Park Rangers as the Academy Coach, Gary decided to call it a day on his playing career and focus on his coaching.

Profile By:  James Garley