Statham Tasked With Saving Welling As Stringer Resigns

The manager stepped aside at Park View Road following the Wings’ 2-1 defeat at Farnborough.

The club have failed to kick on this season after Stringer saved them from National League South relegation last term.

They are now third from bottom, eight points from safety, following their sixth loss in nine games with no victories arriving in that run.

Brian Statham, who has been assisting Stringer this year, will take up a position as caretaker until the end of the season, the club have announced.

Speaking following Stringer’s resignation, owner Howard Prosser said: “Last season, Rod and Kevin Watson completed the impossible task of keeping us up, losing just two out of the final 18 games, aided by players like Joe Ellul, Jason Adigun, Sonny Fish and our existing squad, creating one of the most exhilarating run- ins and gave us one of the best outcomes we could ask for.

“This season, we felt that we would kick on, but in reality, it has been really tough with the frustration of not picking up the results we should have.

“I know how hard Rod has worked both day and night to get us out of this situation and to bring in players to help aid us in our fight, but we have not been able to get bounce we needed.

“Rod is an incredibly honest man and has handed back the managerial keys. No one more than Rod wanted this team to stay up which is why he has made this decision. He felt he didn’t believe he was earning his salary and felt it was the right thing to do. Rod is a true friend and what he achieved last season will not be forgotten.

“He will always be welcomed as our guest, the same also goes for Kevin, too.

“For the remainder of the season Brian Statham will be taking over as caretaker manager, along with the current coaching team.”