Financial constraints prevented my progress, says Ford

Tuesday 13th October 2009

ANDY FORD says he wasn’t given the sufficient financial support to achieve his ambitions of guiding Welling United towards the Blue Square South play-off’s this season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Ford, 55, resigned yesterday, and his assistant Lee Protheroe has been appointed caretaker manager, starting with this Saturday’s trip to Chelmsford City.

Ford was appointed as Wings boss on the 31^st January 2008, taking over from previous manager Neil Smith.

Phil Handford joined Ford as his assistant and the pair kept the club in the Blue Square South division.

However, in the summer of 2008, Handford left his position and former Sutton United boss Jimmy Dack was given the role.

Last season saw the pair guide the Wings to a seventh place finish, the highest ever for the Kent side in the Blue Square South. They also secured the Kent Senior Cup with a clinical 6-1 win over Whitstable Town.

However, assistant Dack departed for full-time rivals Woking in the summer of 2009, and Protheroe was drafted as player-assistant.

Although Welling had a promising pre-season, it was a disappointed start to this season, with the Wings currently lying in 18^th place, with a record of three wins and two draws.

Despite only 12 league games into the season, Ford decided to resign yesterday, with his last game in charge being the 2-0 defeat to high-flying rivals Dover Athletic in the penultimate qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Welling United have been without a major sponsor this season and the club has worn last season’s shirts – baring the name of their previous sponsors.

Like a high majority of football clubs, budgets have been cut, and this was one of the reasons why Ford decided enough was enough.

Ford offered his registration yesterday, which was accepted by owner Barrie Hobbins.

“I have resigned for a combination of reasons, but primarily because I do not feel that my ambition of achieving a play-off place are achievable within the constraints that are put upon this football club,” Ford said in a statement, issued on the club website www.wellingunited.com.

The former Gravesend & Northfleet boss added, “I have enjoyed my time at the club over the last two seasons and have achieved what I set out to do, but this season has not lived up to my expectations.

“Budgets have been cut, injuries have been unprecedented. I feel that it is time for a new fresh approach for someone else to try and take this great family club forward.

“I genuinely wish the new manager can bring the club success.”

A club statement added, “Welling United Football Club would like to thank Andy for his hard work over the last two years and wish him a very successful future.”

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