There is a big job on, I know what I'm walking into but we will do it and turn it around, insists newly-appointed Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell

WELLING UNITED have confirmed former Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell as the club’s fourth manager of a disastrous season.

The Belfast-born, 42-year-old’s departure from Woodstock Park was known BEFORE Saturday’s FA Trophy Second Round tie at Ebbsfleet United, which the National League South full-timers won 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stonebridge Road.

The Belfast-born, 42-year-old, enjoyed an extensive playing career as a midfielder in non-league football, playing for Grays Athletic, Dagenham & Redbridge, Heybridge Swifts, Tonbridge Angels, Braintree Town and Boreham Wood amongst others, as well as a spell in Scotland with Hamilton Academical and Raith Rovers and Welsh side Llanelli.

Maxwell also spent time at Park View Road as a Welling United player during the 2006-07 season and represented Northern Ireland at Under 21 level.

His coaching career began with Walthamstow in 2018 as manager, departing after a two-year spell to join Braintree Town in his now native Essex.

Having steered Braintree Town to National League South safety during his two-year stay, he left in 2000 before being unveiled as Sittingbourne’s new manager in January 2023.

Maxwell secured Legendary status, leading the club to the Isthmian League South East Division play-offs in 2024 and last season, saying that he was feeling “devastated” after losing on penalties to Burgess Hill Town in the Play-Off Final.

His record-breaking 2024-25 campaign, also saw his side to their highest ever League goals tally of 117, whilst conceding their fewest goals in a season (29) since 1990.

Maxwell also guided Sittingbourne to the Quarter-Finals of The FA Trophy last season, beating higher-league sides Enfield Town, Salisbury City and Southend United along the way, before losing to full-time National League side Aldershot Town.

Maxwell will be joined in the dug-out by assistant manager Billy McMahon – who has also departed Sittingbourne – and the pair have been tasked to avoid the drop from the Isthmian League Premier Division and climb up the table.

Welling United have picked up only nine points (three wins) from their 16 games and sit in the bottom-two and are six points clear of safety, in a relegation zone also containing Steve McKimm’s Cray Valley (Paper Mills) (13 points from 16 games), Canvey Island (10 points from 15 games), Welling United and Potters Bar Town (eight points from 15 games), who are now managed by former Faversham Town manager, Sammy Moore.

“I’m really, really proud and honoured to be named as manager of such a great club,” said Maxwell in a statement.

“There is a big job on, I know what I’m walking into and we need to go on a good, strong run.

“It may not happen overnight and there will need to be patience but we will do it and we will turn it around.

“Welling United are a big club in non-league and that made it a big draw for me.  The location is fantastic and the potential is there for growth.  Yes, it’s in a bad period but I want to put it back where it should be.”

Chief Executive Officer, Paul Barnes, who was in charge of team affairs for less than a day, before Rod Stringer came in and lost eight of his 10 games in interim charge before Maxwell's arrival, added in a statement: “We are delighted to welcome Ryan to Welling.

“He is someone I know extremely well, having seen first-hand the pivotal role he played in the rise of Sittingbourne.

“Under his influence, they became one of the toughest and most competitive sides across all competitions. His record speaks for itself.

“From the very beginning of this process, we are determined to appoint a manager who embodies the values of our club.  Someone who understands what it means to wear the badge, demands commitment and leads a team that leaves absolutely everything on the pitch.

“Anyone who has faced a Ryan Maxwell side will know these qualities well – intensity, work ethic, discipline and a refusal to back down.  These are the foundations of his approach.”

Welling United – a side that have lost their last seven games across all competitions – welcome Isthmian Premier Division leaders Folkestone Invicta in the Velocity Cup Third Round tomorrow night.

Jay Saunders has revealed that he will bring an Academy side to play Welling United in Maxwell’s first game in charge, as the promotion-chasing side are in the middle of a run of 18 fixtures in 63 days.

“It will be an Academy side that plays Welling on Tuesday night,” said Saunders in a statement.

“We will be there with Academy coaches Richard Styles and Kevin Brown but we feel that the players need this rest to get us right for Saturday’s trip to Cheshunt, with the Saturday-Tuesday schedule piling up.

“We’re in a good place at the moment after a good start to the season and we hope supporters understand the need to prioritise a busy month of League fixtures heading up to Christmas.”

Sittingbourne appointed Reece Prestedge as their new manager yesterday, having been part of their coaching team last season.

“I feel honoured to be able to take charge of such a great club in Sittingbourne FC,” said the 39-year-old former Margate boss.

“The club are moving in the right direction and the fans are absolutely brilliant and always bring a great atmosphere to games – pushing the team that little bit further.

“I’m excited to be back and looking forward to getting started Tuesday evening away at Crowborough Athletic and pushing on with the rest of the season.”

The Brickies are currently underperforming in the Isthmian League South East Division this season – sitting in thirteenth-place in the table with 22 points (six wins, four draws and five defeats) from their 15 games and are 10 points adrift of the play-off zone, fifth-placed Herne Bay, who thrashed the worst Hastings United side in living memory, 4-0 at Winch’s Field on Saturday, where news that Maxwell’s departure from Sittingbourne broke before kick-off.

Welling United parted company with Lee Martin after only 10 games in charge,   winning two and losing eight during his short stay at Park View Road.

However, the 38-year-old Taunton-born midfielder, returned to Ramsgate, to take interim-charge of the side, following Ben Smith’s departure.

Ramsgate drew 1-1 to Cheshunt, beat Chatham Town 1-0 and came away from Aveley-based side Hashtag United 4-1 before Ramsgate chairman James Lawson decided to give the former Manchester United and Millwall midfielder the job permanently today.

A club statement said: “Ramsgate FC are delighted to confirm that Lee Martin has been appointed as manager on a permanent basis following a successful interim period.

“With seven points out of a possible nine, Marts has led the team with great diligence – ably assisted by Sean Hill and Tom Hadler, who will continue in coaching roles to assist the manager.

“Lee has always felt part of the family at Ramsgate and we couldn’t be happier that the Martin family will continue their journey with us at Southwood – a place where they, as well so many others, like to call home.

“An exciting new chapter in the history of Ramsgate FC is now underway and we look forward to building on the success of recent games going forward.”

Former, Ramsgate coach, Darren Beale, meanwhile, was appointed Hythe Town’s new manager on Friday, replacing Ira Jackson, who was sacked after only 21 games in charge, on 8 November.

The Cannons climbed out of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division relegation zone in Beale’s first game in charge – a 2-2 draw at Sutton Athletic on Saturday.

Hythe Town are now in 17^th place (bottom three) with 11 points (three wins, two draws and 11 defeats), level on points with Chislehurst Glebe and one point clear of bottom side Stansfeld, who came away from leaders Whitstable Town with a 3-3 draw at the weekend.

“Darren understands the philosophy of the club and is keen to work with the club’s project,” added a brief club statement, posted on Friday.

Midfielder Roarie Deacon, 34, meanwhile, has departed Ashford United to become player-assistant manager, while Dan Stimpson comes in as coach at Reachfields Stadium.