Protheroe not keen on Welling job

Ford resigned after 20 months in charge at Welling

Welling caretaker manager Lee Protheroe has ruled himself out of the permanent role at the Blue Square South side.

The player-assistant boss took charge for the 3-1 defeat at Chelmsford following Andy Ford's resignation.

But the 33-year-old full-back told BBC Radio Kent: "If perhaps I had an experienced number two then maybe but I rule myself out of the running."

Sittingbourne manager Gary Abbott, who is Welling's record scorer, says he has an interview for the job this week.

"I don't know when it is, I'm waiting for another call, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want the job. Welling is in my blood," he said.

Hopefully I can get Welling to start winning, get some desire and get a smile on their faces. I'd be gutted if I didn't get it

Managerial hopeful Gary Abbott

"I want to move on and better myself. If it doesn't come off I'll just carry on at Sittingbourne and I think we've got a good squad here.

"All I can do is hope with the crowd there, and what with me being there so many years, it sways my way.

"Hopefully I can get Welling to start winning, get some desire and get a smile on their faces. I'd be gutted if I didn't get it, but there are people with a lot more experience going for it but I feel I am ready for it.

"I've spoken to Andy [Spice, Sittingbourne chairman] and he knows everyone wants to move on and I'm no different. He understands the situation and wishes me all the best if I get the job.

Abbott, who is now 44, scored more than 250 goals for Welling in four separate spells in the 1980s and 1990s.

Protheroe said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I know they've had 30 applicants in the last five days so there's got to be someone amongst that 30 who is strong and they will know they have a good team to come into.

"But it's been a stressful week and something I have been thrown into all of a sudden. I've had a great response from all my players. I never say never but it's an experience thing."