LEE Protheroe is refusing to completely rule himself out of the race to become Welling United’s new manager after Andy Ford’s shock resignation yesterday.

Ford’s decision to call it a day has stunned the club’s fans and former assistant boss Protheroe has stepped up to take temporary control until a replacement is appointed.

But although he accepts his inexperience may count against him, Protheroe admits he would have a major decision to make if the job was offered to him on a full-time basis.

He said: “I would never say no but it isn’t my main priority or focus at the moment.

“I’m a virtual nobody when it comes to management and am still learning what it is all about.

“There will be some big names linked with the job, but if they did give me the chance to do it, I would have to seriously think about it.”

Ford has released a statement explaining his decision, which said: “It’s with regret I have offered my resignation to Barry today, which was accepted.

“I have resigned for a combination of reasons, but primarily because I do not feel that my ambition of achieving a play-off place are achievable within the constraints that are put upon this football club.

“I have enjoyed my time at the club over the last two seasons and have achieved what I set out to do, but this season has not lived up to my expectations.

“Budgets have been cut, injuries have been unprecedented.

“I feel that it is time for a new fresh approach for someone else to try and take this great family club forward.

“I genuinely wish the new manager can bring the club success.”

Protheroe’s first indication something was wrong came after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Dover, a result which put an end to Welling’s FA Cup run.

He said: “We spoke about it after the game and I told Andy to go away for the weekend and think about it, something he obviously did.

“I was very shocked when I found out he had resigned because I didn’t think he would do it.

“There are a lot of things which go on behind the scenes which I chose not to get involved in.

“It was affecting Andy’s personal life and now he just wants to take some time out to spend with his family. He hasn’t got anything else lined up.”

Protheroe has already spoken to each player individually and was pleased with the response from the squad.

Seven will feature for the reserves tonight against Hornchurch before the entire team get together on Thursday evening for training ahead of Saturday’s visit to Chelmsford.

“I spent time there as a player and know it is a tough place to go,” he added.

“They will be buzzing after their 4-1 win at Dartford in the FA Cup but we need to bounce back from the Dover result quickly.”