by Matthew Panting

Andy Ford has stepped down as Welling manager after winning just four games this season.

The former Gravesend boss took charge of Welling at the end of January 2008 and successfully steered the club to Blue Square South safety that season, despite losing his first game 6-2 at home to Cambridge City.

After spending long periods of last season in the play-off places, Welling missed out on a play-off spot by nine points when they finished seventh although they did win the Kent Senior Cup for the third time in their history.

However, a poor start to this season - not helped by a catalogue of injuries to key players - has left the Wings with just 11 points from 12 games, and two places above the drop zone.

Welling have failed to score in five league games already this season and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Dover on Saturday at the third qualifying round stage.

Assistant manager Lee Protheroe has taken temporary charge while the Wings await applicants for the vacant position.