FORMER Welling assistant manager Phil Handford has ruled out a return as first-team boss.

Handford has been heavily linked with the vacant position but has distanced himself from the speculation.

"I'm not interested in the job," he confirmed. "I've been enjoying my break from the game since leaving Eastleigh in September and have been able to watch matches without being in a pressure situation."

Handford has watched the previous three Welling home games but insisted supporters should not read anything into that.

"I've been at a few matches lately through various reasons but that has been co-incidence more than anything," he said.

Despite ruling out the main job, asked if he would still return to Park View Road as an assistant manager Handford said: "It depends who it was with but you can never say never in football."

Meanwhile, the Wings have confirmed that defender Chris Moore and skipper Richard Carpenter have taken temporary charge of the squad.

The players will train on Thursday and Saturday before their next match against Grays in the Setanta Shield fourth round on January 15.