BOSS IS TOP, BUT IS THEN SACKED!

RICHARD Dimmock has been sacked as manager of Welling Town – even though his team are four points clear at the top of the table!

Dimmock, 39, who was due to celebrate two years in charge of the Boots next month, lost just two of his opening 17 games in Southern Counties East Division One this season.

Yet a statement from founding chairman Kevin Oakes said that “recent results and performances have not been in line with expectations”.

Welling Town have enjoyed a meteoric rise to Step 6 after being formed only four years ago as a Sunday side in Division Two of the London & Kent Suburban League.

In 2016, they switched to Saturday football, and joined the grassroots Division Three West of the Kent County League.

They then successfully applied to join their current league – a jump of three divisions.

Oakes said: “Our position is strong, and our time under Richard’s management has seen us progress many levels and win trophies” but added: “Several wider issues off the field remain a concern.

“He has been instrumental in us getting to where we are, and as someone I have known for more than 20 years, this decision is all the more difficult.

“We’re still surprised he even considered taking the job at the level we were at, and very pleased he helped deliver our main aim at that time of progressing from amateur to semiprofessional football.

“Without his input the club would not be in the place it is today, but to continue moving forwards we feel that a change is required.”