Welling United part company with Danny Bloor despite first win in nine at Hemel Hempstead yesterday as club want National League South survival

WELLING UNITED begin the search for a new manager after parting company with former Eastbourne Borough boss Danny Bloor after 36 games in charge at Park View Road.

The Wings are rooted within the relegation zone of the sixth-tier Vanarama National League South table, having picked up five wins, nine draws and 14 defeats.

Welling United sealed a 2-1 away win at Hemel Hempstead Town yesterday but  the club parted company with their manager by making a telephone call this morning.

Departures also include assistant manager Ben Austin, first-team coach Nick Arnold and director of football, Garry Fiore.

“Welling United can confirm that Danny Bloor has left the club with immediate effect after being relieved of his duties as first-team manager,” said a club statement.

“The club wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude for Danny and his team’s efforts this season.

“However, despite the win on Saturday, due to the team’s league position and recent league form being as it has been, the board have made the decision to change the management while there is still sufficient time in the season left for the required points to be obtained to, hopefully, secure National League South survival.

“The search for a new manager is underway with a full announcement to follow in due course.”

Director of football Fiore, has resigned from his role at Park View Road.

“It is with regret that following the dismissal of Danny Bloor, I formally resign as director of football, which includes the involvement at the senior end of the club,” said Fiore.

“A big thank you to Ben Austin and Nick Arnold, who have stood by Danny every step of the way.

“The switch to (training during the) day made it difficult for them to commit because of their day jobs.  Two top men and top football people.”

Eastbourne Borough are in 21^st place in the table with 27 points from 30 of 46 league games, followed by 20^th placed side Welling United (24 points from 28 games).  Dover Athletic – who beat Slough Town 1-0 at Crabble yesterday are second-from-bottom with 21 points from 30 games, while Havant & Waterlooville are bottom on 21 points from 30 games.

Taunton Town are above the relegation zone with 31 points from their 26 league outings.

Bloor won 8 of his 36 games in all competitions, drawing 12 and losing 16 and yesterday’s win over Hemel Hempsted Town was the club’s first win in nine league games, since the 4-1 home win over now leaders Yeovil Town on 25 November.

The club has not confirmed who will be in charge of Tuesday night's home game against Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Bloor replaced Irishman Warren Feeney, who left the club on Monday 5 June 2003 to manage top-flight Belfast based outfit Glentoran.

Rod Stringer - who has been out of football management since departing Isthmian League Division One North side Brentwood Town on 15 February 2023 - has been linked with the vacancy.

Sources claim that the former Chelmsford City, Bishop's Stortford, Braintree Town and Aveley 56-year-old boss attended the game at Hemel Hempstead yesterday.

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com