Sittingbourne manager Abbott invited to Wings interview

Sunday 18th October 2009

SITTINGBOURNE manager Gary Abbott has revealed that he has been invited by Welling United for an interview for the vacant manager’s job at Park View Road, writes Stephen McCartney.

Passionate Abbott, who started his successful goalscoring playing career with the Wings, has worked on a shoe-string budget at Ryman League Division One South side Sittingbourne for two years, but revealed yesterday that he wants to be the man that takes over from Andy Ford, who resigned last Monday.

“I’ve had a phone call,” Abbott told www.kentishfootball.co.uk yesterday. “I’ve got an interview, but I don’t know when it is!

“I’d be lying to say I wouldn’t want the job! Welling’s in my blood, I’ve had twelve good years there so yes, I want to move on.

“I want to better myself but if it doesn’t come off, I’m not getting excited over it, obviously I’m getting excited about it, but I’m not thinking I’m going to get the job - as much as I want it!”

He added, “If I don’t get it, I’ll just carry on with Sittingbourne.”

Abbott spoke about his determination to land the Welling United job ahead of Sittingbourne’s FA Carlsberg Trophy tie against Dartford.

The Darts found Sittingbourne in resilient mood at Bourne Park during yesterday’s first qualifying round tie - but it took a bit of magic from Dartford striker Allan Tait to send Abbott’s men out of the competition.

Abbott, meanwhile, insisted that Brickies’ chairman, Andy Spice, has given him permission to be approached by the Blue Square South club.

“I spoke to Andy when I got the phone call, I literally phoned Andy straight away,” explained want-away Abbott.

“Everyone wants to move on with their jobs and I’m no different. I’m ambitious, I want to go as far as I can and Andy understands the situation and he wishes me all the best if I do get it.”

The Wings confirmed last week that over 30 applications have been received for the job.

“I would be gutted (if I didn’t get the Welling job), there’s a lot of people who have gone for it - a lot more experienced people.

“I just feel I’m ready for it. Of course I’d be gutted but after that, once it’s done, it’s done. I’ll come back to Sittingbourne and do the best I can.”

Abbott added, “All I can do is hope that, with the crowd, I’ve been there so many years, hopefully it sways my way.”

If successful, Abbott spoke about his attributes that he will bring to the Welling job.

“Obviously I’ve not seen them play this year, I know a couple of the boys, Bryan Johnson was here with me last year, who Welling actually signed,” he said.

“Hopefully I can get Welling to start winning , get a bit of desire down there and get people playing with a smile on their faces.”

Meanwhile, Welling United, under the caretakership of Ford’s assistant, Lee Protheroe, were defeated 3-1 at Chelmsford City yesterday.

Versatile Jack Parkinson had given the Wings an early lead, but faced an uphill struggle when Andy Sambrook and Steve King were both red carded during the first half and the Essex side went on to clinch victory.

Welling United fans, posting messages on their fans’ forum, have put names into the ring as to WHO they think should be given the job.

They want players who used to play for the club before, such as Abbott (Sittingbourne), Tony Dolby (Hastings United), Barry Ashby, Mike Rutherford and Joe Francis (Cray Wanderers‘ assistant), and managers that have done good jobs at other local clubs, including Paul Gorman (Erith & Belvedere), Jim Ward (Ramsgate) and former Fisher Athletic boss, Wayne Burnett.

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

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk