PAUL PARKER has admitted that he will miss his role as manager of Welling after leaving the club by mutual consent.

The Wings announced Parker’s departure less than 24 hours after the 3-0 home defeat to Eastbourne Borough at Park View Road.

It was a result, and performance, that spelled the end to Parker’s tenure as manager after he joined the club in May 2003 from Chelmsford City.

Parker leaves with the Wings back in the relegation zone in Conference South. Speaking for the first time since his departure, Parker said: "The worst thing is that I’m going to miss it. I spoke to Welling’s general manager Graham Hobbins and we felt it was the right thing to do.

"I wish the Hobbins’ well and thank them for the support they gave me. I thought I had turned it around and I went into Tuesday night’s game believing the next win was going to come then."

Instead, Welling turned in one of their worst displays of the season, with senior players like Ian Wiles, Lee Spiller and Paul Booth all below par.

The former Manchester United and England defender clearly felt let down by his players, who he has continually backed despite some awful performances this season.

"The players didn’t help themselves with their preparations for Tuesday night’s game," said Parker. "It wasn’t right and they have let themselves and the club down."

Mr Hobbins is expected to meet with the playing squad on Thursday evening, with coach Liam Daish in line to take charge at Redbridge this Saturday.

He said: "The club would like to place on record its appreciation for the hard work Paul has carried out during his 18-month spell at Park View Road and to wish him every success for the future."