WELLING have ended their three-week search for a manager by appointing Andy Ford.

The former Gravesend boss will take charge of the team for the first time at home to Cambridge City in Blue Square South on Saturday.

Ford beat former Woking manager Glenn Cockerill to the post after impressing Welling owners Barrie and Barry Hobbins during his interview.

Having masterminded Gravesend's elevation to the top tier of non-league football, Ford will be a popular choice among Welling supporters.

The club are currently 10 league games without a win and sit just one place above the relegation zone.

Welling general manager Barry Hobbins said: "Andy Ford fits our criteria with experience of this level and above.

"We're confident that we have got the right man, he knows the local scene well and, by all accounts, he is a good tactician."