JIMMY Dack has told News Shopper location was the only reason behind his shock decision to quit Welling for Woking.

The former assistant manager agreed to swap the Wings for the Cards after more than a year as Andy Ford’s right hand man at Park View Road.

He said: “I found out about a week and a half ago Woking wanted me to join and I agreed because it is only 20 minutes from my home.

“I have a young family who want to see more of me because sometimes I was working all day and then spending an hour and a quarter travelling to Welling.

“It seemed at times I wasn’t seeing them at all and I need to be at home a bit more. It just made sense.

“I had a fantastic time at Welling and made so many friends.

“They had a good season last year and just missed out on the play-offs.

“We will remain friends and I know I can look everyone in the eye whenever I go back there.”

He added: “Andy is a good manager who will keep it going.

“I hope they can kick on again next year and go one better by making the play-offs.

“Expectations are now higher and although a lot of people might have been surprised when Welling started so well last year, we proved it was no fluke.

“I’m sad I’m not going to be a part of it but I had to make the decision I did.”

Ford moved quickly to appoint Lee Protheroe as Dack’s replacement and the former assistant boss is backing his successor to make a successful step up from the pitch to the coaching staff.

He said: “The advice I gave Lee was to be honest with both the players and himself.

“Lee has got a bright future ahead of him and will learn a lot from Andy.

“If he is straight with everybody, then I’ve no doubt he will earn the respect of the players.”

And Dack also vowed to continue helping out with the youth academy link-up between Welling United and Bexley College.

“I set up the academy there and said from the start I will finish the job off,” he added.

“Everything is set up, it just needs a few extras to finish it off.

“Hopefully it is something which will benefit Welling United for years to come.”