Harry Watling appointed Ebbsfleet United manager

By Mark Stillman

Ebbsfleet United have appointed former QPR and Glasgow Rangers coach Harry Watling as their new manager.

Watling is one of the youngest coaches in England to receive UEFA A, B and Pro licences. He started at Chelsea aged 20 before moving on to Millwall and West Ham United.

A productive stint in USA followed with Hartford Athletic in the USL Championship. During 18 months in charge they narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

He returned to the UK in the summer of 2022 where he had a brief spell at QPR before following manager Michael Beale to Rangers.

The Londoner has replaced Danny Searle, who was sacked after Saturday’s 4-0 loss at Altrincham.

Watling told the club’s official website:

“I’m delighted to be here. It’s a brilliant setup at Ebbsfleet and it was really important to align myself with a club that allows me to play football on the front foot and the way I want to play it.

“I want to develop people here. I loved the commitment, honesty and work rate from Tuesday night.”

Tuesday’s draw with Aldershot Town was just the Fleet’s second point this season, they’re currently three points from safety at the bottom of the National League.

Watling, 34, will be assisted by David Kerslake, a defender whose past clubs include Swindon Town and Tottenham Hotspur.

(Pic courtesy of Alamy)