WELLING general manager Graham Hobbins has stressed that no decision on a new manager has yet been made.

Hobbins, who is keeping his cards close to his chest, said: "We haven’t made our minds up at all at this stage and if anyone says it is going to be someone then they know more than I do.

“We’ve had 24 applications now and I’m very surprised at the amount of people who are interested in the job and have had connections with football league clubs in the past two years.”

Caretaker boss Liam Daish, who is still a candidate for the job, is now expected to take charge for the two Margate matches over the festive period as Hobbins refused to rush a decision.

"This appointment is so important for the club – it can’t be somebody that we might want for a year," he said.

"I see this as the long-term future of the club. There are people who have applied who are connected with other clubs, but this is not a stalling operation.

"Now is the opportunity to put bases down for the future and start again. It will take time so it’s important we don’t panic and just get someone in to see us through to the end of the season."

* Welling travel to Margate on Bank Holiday Tuesday (3pm) before hosting their Kent rivals on New Year’s Day (3pm). Daish has doubts over Tony Browne (ankle) and Ian Wiles (foot) although Matt Lee could return after a knee operation.