Darren Manning lands Welling Town managers job

WELLING TOWN chairman Kevin Oakes has appointed his new management team after stepping down after 23 games in charge of the club last night.

Darren Manning has been appointed manager with James Wakeling coming in as his assistant.

The pair have recently ended a four-year spell at Essex-based side Hullbridge Sports, where they guided the club from the bottom of the Essex Senior League in late 2017 to the league title within 18 months, at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Manning and Wakeling took Hullbridge Sports to their highest level, the Isthmian League Division One North.

Prior to that Manning had been assistant manager at Grays Athletic.

“As well as on-field success, they have experienced and assisted with the growth of the club and off-the field with our club’s brief history compared to most, both of these points were of equal importance to us all as we look to continue our growth and upwards movement,” said Oakes.

Manning and Wakeling will be joined by player-coach Kwabs Osei and assistant coach Ryan Madder.

The new management team will be in charge of Welling Town for the first time when fifth-placed side Erith Town visit Lowfield Street in Dartford on Tuesday night.

Oakes took charge of the club at the beginning of last season and in his 23 games in charge, Welling Town won six, drew three and lost 14 in all competitions.

The Boots are one point clear of the relegation zone going into the game, having collected one win and two draws from their first seven games of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division campaign.
 
Richard Dimmock, Louis Dean, Danny Wakeling and Oakes have managed the club during its short existence.

Visit Welling Town’s website: www.wellingtown.co.uk