Hopefully Jody Brown can come in and hit the ground running, says Welling defender Loui Fazakerley

Wednesday 24th December 2014

LOUI FAZAKERLEY says he will guide newly-appointed Welling United manager Jody Brown.

The Wings have appointed the former Grays Athletic boss to the hot seat at Park View Road following Jamie Day’s decision to drop down one league to take charge of Ebbsfleet United.

The Wings were knocked out of The FA Trophy by The Fleet after losing a First Round Replay 3-2 (after extra time) at Park View Road last night.

Welling Untied were 2-0 up at the break courtesy of goals from Kieron St Aimie (penalty) and Tyrone Marsh.

But the Fleet forced extra-time when former AFC Wimbledon, Bromley and Lingfield winger Brendan Kiernan and substitute Anthony Cook scored in the second half before Matt Godden fired Fleet in the next round with three minutes of extra time remaining.

Former Welling United defender Anthony Acheampong was sent off for two yellow cards with 11 minutes of extra-time remaining, but Ebbsfleet United deserved their win and welcome Adrian Pennock’s Forest Green Rovers to Stonebridge Road on 10 January 2015 in the Second Round.

Brown, who watched the game from the stand, tweeted: “Enjoyed the game, shame about the result. But plenty of positives to take and I look forward to taking the team for the first time on Boxing Day.”

Day has enticed two members of his coaching staff, Barry Ashby and Dean Frost with him from Park View Road to Stonebridge Road.

He has since snapped up goalkeeper Jamie Turner and has today signed Marsh, 21, on a free transfer from Oxford United after his loan spell at Welling United expired today.

Day told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: “I am delighted to have Tyrone on board. He is a great addition to our squad and is a natural goalscorer which he has shown in the league above and against us.”

Brown, has so far brought in winger Glen Winger, 39, who will also be his assistant manager and must now add numbers and strength to a threadbare squad ahead of the vital festive period.

Welling United travel to Dover Athletic on Boxing Day – before playing the return at Park View Road on New Years’ Day.

They also welcome Torquay United to Park View Road on Sunday 28 December.

Caretaker manager Fazakerley said: “He (Jody) came in and introduced himself after the game. I’ve got to speak a little more in depth (on Christmas Eve), help him understand the squad and help him to pick the right team for Friday.

“As the game’s progress and as time continues he’ll get to know the players and be able to put a bit more of his stamp on the team.

“We’ve got a very tough run of games but we’ve got a good group of lads. It’s just a matter of raising spirits again for Friday and trying to get back on a good run of form.

“It’s going to be tough but we’ve got a good group of lads and hopefully Jody can come in and hit the ground running.”

Right-back Fazakerley, 30, revealed some positive news about his own personal road to recovery from his medial ligament tear.

“I actually got told last week that I don’t actually need an operation, which I was expecting, which potentially would’ve meant the end of the season for me,” he said.

“I’ve been told I could potentially be match fit in about four weeks’ time.

“It’s managed to heal itself quite well, which is quite surprising but it’s good news so I’m going to focus to get myself fit and while I help Jody settle in of course.

“I want to be back playing. I’ve missed it. It’s been ten weeks. It feels like a lot longer and I want to be back on the pitch helping the boys.

“I just have to focus on getting fit again so I’m available for selection.”

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com