Welling United Manager Rod Stringer Resigns Amid Relegation Battle
Welling United have confirmed the resignation of manager Rod Stringer, with the club currently struggling in the Vanarama National League South relegation zone.
The Wings suffered their 23rd league defeat of the season on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Farnborough. This latest setback leaves them in the bottom three of the sixth tier, with 33 points from 38 games (nine wins, six draws).
Stringer took charge at Park View Road in January 2024 and orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to keep the club in the division last season. However, a challenging campaign this year has left Welling in the drop zone with just eight games remaining. As a result, Stringer has decided to step down, a decision accepted by club owner Howard Prosser.
Brian Statham, who has been assisting with first-team duties in recent weeks, will take over as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
In a statement, Prosser praised Stringer’s impact:
“Last season, Rod and Kevin Watson performed a near-miracle to keep us up, losing just two of the final 18 games. Players like Joe Ellul, Jason Adigun, and Sonny Fish, alongside our existing squad, helped create one of the most thrilling run-ins we’ve seen.
“This season, we hoped to build on that success, but it has been incredibly tough. Despite Rod’s relentless efforts—working day and night to strengthen the squad—we just haven’t managed to find the results we needed.
“Rod is an honest man, and he felt he wasn’t earning his salary. He has taken the difficult decision to step aside for the good of the club. His contribution last season will never be forgotten, and he will always be welcome here, as will Kevin.
“Brian Statham will now lead the team alongside the existing coaching staff for the remainder of the season.”
A club statement added:
“We would like to thank Rod for his hard work and dedication over the past 14 months and wish him the very best for the future.”
Welling currently sit level on points with St Albans City (both on 33 points from 38 games), while Enfield Town remain just above the drop zone with 41 points from 39 games. Below them, Weymouth (28 points from 39 games) and Aveley (24 points from 39 games) continue their own battles for survival.
Statham’s first match in charge will be against Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday night (19:45).