Ford resigned after 20 months in charge at Welling

Welling United have appointed former player Jamie Day as their new manager.

The Blue Square South side received 51 applications for the role, but opted for 30-year-old Day to replace Andy Ford, who resigned last month.

Wings co-owner Barry Hobbins told BBC Radio Kent: "You have to have someone you know you can work with and Jamie fits that bill."

Hobbins added that the final decision was between Day and former Ebbsfleet assistant Alan Kimble.

Caretaker boss Lee Protheroe and Sittingbourne manager Gary Abbott had also wanted the job but did not make it to the final two.

"There were several other very strong candidates, but they [Day and Kimble] were the two we came down to.

"It was very difficult because Alan had good qualifications, was very enthusiastic and we spent some time discussing it with him," said Hobbins.

"Alan was very disappointed. He understands being a football person and we wish him well but we just think Jamie's the right choice with the added bonus of being a player, if not all the time, some of the time.

"He's very well know locally and in coaching circles."

Hobbins added that he was confident Day would succeed in what will be his first managerial role.

"His character's first class, his playing ability has always been first class, as has his coaching.

"He's setting out on the managerial trail for the first time, which is always a gamble from his point of view as well as ours. But we're confident that he's the right person to have at this time and someone who can pick up the club from where it is at the present time."

Day's first test will be away at Worcester in the league on Saturday.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version