New Wings boss Smith relishing his chance

New Welling United manager Neil Smith has expressed his excitement at the challenge ahead after taking over the Park View Road hot-seat.

Smith, 35, was installed as the new Wings boss on Wednesday night - replacing Stoke City bound Adrian Pennock and his assistant Phil Handford - and is raring to get started at the Blue Square Southern club.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me and I appreciate Welling giving me the chance to become a manager,” he told www.wellingunited.com.

Smith, who was caretaker boss at Woking for the last six games of last season, added: “The end of last season with Woking really gave me the buzz.

“I was looking to carry on just playing for another year or two but I am ready to get stuck into it now.

“I’ve not heard one negative thing about Welling from anyone. Everyone I’ve spoken to has said what a great chance this is for me.

“The club want to get into the Conference, it’s a good honest club and you know what you are going to get from the owners and the directors.

As for the current crop of players, Smith is keen to speak to them before they decide whether their future is away from Park View Road.

Smith also moved to ease fears over the departures of Danny Kedwell and Jamie Day to Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic in the past fortnight.

He said: “I can understand the concern of the fans but I’ve been in the job for less then 24 hours.

“I’ve got to speak to the players. I don’t want them to leave because someone has been on the phone before me.

“I want to give them a chance and I need them to give me a chance. I’d have been surprised if no-one was interested in them because they did well for Welling last season.”

Meanwhile, physio Dave Lawson will remain at the club next season.

Article courtesy of www.wellingunited.com