GORDON Bartlett is preparing to celebrate his 1,000th game in charge of Wealdstone when Waltham Abbey visit the St George's Stadium on Saturday.

The 54-year-old is in his 25th year of football management and, providing tonight's Ryman Premier game at Carshalton Athletic and Thursday's League Cup clash at Tonbridge Angels beat the weather, he will reach the remarkable milestone.

Bartlett joined the club in 1995 and recently signed a contract extension until the end of the 2010/11 season.

The club will mark the occasion with a special presentation on Saturday.

"One thousand games as a manager is a phenomenal achievement in the modern game and the Club are very fortunate to have enjoyed Gordon’s services for this long", said Stones chairman Howard Krais.

"Not only does he know the game inside out and is he one of the best coaches around but he is also someone whose values and principles mean he is one of the most respected men in non league football, and beyond."

Bartlett's right-hand man, Leo Morris, will also shortly be celebrating the same milestone. He has been granted a testimonial for next season.

Bartlett said: "As we approach this milestone we can look back with a lot of pride on what we have achieved, especially when you consider some of the major setbacks along the way."

Wealdstone chalked up a second successive league draw at Canvey Island on Saturday. Callum Martin fired them ahead but a retaken penalty rescued a point for the hosts.