Gary McCann today celebrates his fifth anniversary as first team boss having taken over from Gary Farrell on 1st February 2005. The former goalkeeper, who made his playing debut on 31 March 1997 and went on to make 196 appearances in seven years with the Greens, was forced to retire from playing in his early 30s. His final match came in a 2–0 victory at Bedford Town in September 2003.

Since responsibility for team selection was added to the manager's duties, no one has given Hendon longer continuous service than McCann. He did resign briefly in October 2006, but reversed his decision before another match was played.

McCann was surprised to learn that he had been in charge of the team for so long. He said, "I don't know where the years have gone. Nevertheless, it has been five enjoyable, if pretty demanding and testing years.

"The club has been a perfect vehicle for me as a manager and I remain as committed to the club as I was. As a player and manager I have been with Hendon for 12 of the last 13 years. It shows how much I love the Club."

Hendon's goalkeeper on the night the Greens defeated Leyton Orient in the FA Cup in 1997, McCann has enjoyed cup success as both a player and a manager. A two-time Isthmian League Full Members Cup-winner as a player with the Greens, he has managed Hendon to five cup finals in his time as manager, winning the London Senior Cup at the third attempt in 2009.

McCann has been in charge for 204 league games, during which time 261 points have been amassed, and 288 goals scored. In cup competition, the club has played 59 cup ties under his leadership, of which 33 have been won (4 on penalties). 119 goals have been scored in those cup games. That means overall, the club have played 263 competitive fixtures since McCann took over five years ago.