Welling United appoint Rod Stringer as their new manager with Kevin Watson (not the Ashford United boss) coming in as his assistant

WELLING UNITED have appointed Rod Stringer as their new manager.

 

The Wings parted company with former Eastbourne Borough boss Danny Bloor after 36 games in charge at Park View Road by telephone call on Sunday morning.

Welling United 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 on Saturday, which turned out to be Bloor’s final game in charge of the club.

Assistant manager Ben Austin, first-team coach Nick Arnold and director of football Garry Fiore also left their roles.

“The 56-year-old arrives with a wealth of experience under his belt and a proven track record of success in non-league football,” said a club statement.

“He now arrives in DA16 to lead the Wings in their battle against the drop.”

Meanwhile, Stringer will be assisted by Kevin Watson (not the current Ashford United manager).

Stringer lead Aveley to the Isthmian league Division One title in 2009, before moving on to Braintree Town where he achieved a second promotion, taking the club to the National League by being crowned National League South champions in 2011.

A five-year spell in charge at Bishop’s Stortford followed before he moved to Chelmsford City in 2016, taking the Essex club to three National League South play-off campaigns prior to his departure in 2020.

Stringer then moved to Brentwood Town in October 2021, leading them to the Isthmian league Division One Play-Off Final before departing in February 2023.

Watson, meanwhile, has previously managed Maldon & Tiptree, Bishop’s Stortford, Ebbsfleet United and Billericay Town and had spells as assistant manager at Stevenage, Eastleigh, Whitehawk and Hungerford Town.

He has the same name as the former Cray Valley and current Ashford United manager.

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 on Saturday 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.

Welling United welcome Hampton & Richmond Borough to Park View Road on Tuesday night.

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