WELLING have parted company with player-manager Neil Smith after a run of nine league games without a win.

The Wings are just four points above the relegation zone in Blue Square South and Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Hampton & Richmond proved Smith's final match in charge.

General manager Barry Hobbins said: "We made the decision over the weekend. The results have not picked up and it's time for a change.

"As we all know, the results haven't not reflected the hard work that Neil has put into the role - and it's a results business.

"It would have been easy to make a quick decision but we wanted to give Neil every opportunity to turn it around."

Former Woking midfielder Smith collected just five wins in 24 league matches and suffered early exits in the FA Cup and FA Trophy. His assistant Stuart Nethercott has also left his post.

As for a replacement, the Wings are unlikely to go down the road of another inexperienced manager while captain Richard Carpenter and Chris Moore may be asked to take temporary charge.

"We've not spoken to anyone about taking over as this has only just happened," said Mr Hobbins.

"But we'll have someone in temporary charge, if not permanently, by the weekend.

"We'll be looking for someone with experience of this league or the level above and they'll have the experience needed to pick up our results.

"The timespan is quite short to advertise the post but no doubt the phone will be ringing this week."