Pennock: I want to move Wings forward into the Conference (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW)

Adrian Pennock has admitted he’s “loved” his first full season as manager of Welling United, but insists if he’s given more money he’ll guide the club towards promotion, writes Stephen McCartney.

 

 

The Wings finished in ninth place in the Nationwide Conference South league table – six points adrift of the play-off places.

Pennock’s side will draw little comfort that they were held to 17 draws during their 42 match campaign, but the former Gillingham star insists things will be better next season with a bigger budget.
 
Reflecting on the season, he said: “Disappointed because the last month or so we have not been at our best.

”But looking at the bigger picture we’ve had a great season – we’ve got to realise where we’ve come from.

”We stayed in the actual league in the penultimate game of last season but this season we’ve been challenging for the play-off’s all season.

”It’s just a shame we haven’t done it but it’s only through frustration and expectation levels went through the roof really.

”It’s been a great season for us with the cup runs and everything else.”

Pennock praised the Park View Road faithful for their support, but knows more fans have to come through the turnstiles next season to realise his promotion ambitions.

”Our supporters have been fantastic, they’ve been right behind the players,” he said.

”As you know my career as a player was cut short and being a manager and still involved in football is what I love.  I’ve loved this season and I know we’ve only finished on Saturday but I can’t wait to start next season.”

When asked what we can expect from the club next season, the blonde haired manager replied: “It all depends on budgets and this, that and the other.  In part-time football it all depends on how much money I’ve got to spend and what my budget is for the season.

”We will be working hard, hopefully they’ll be two or three new faces coming in but that all depends on the board.”

Pennock, speaking after Sunday’s SYKO CHALLENGE, revealed he will be sitting down with players today telling them who he will be keeping and releasing.

He added: “I’ve said to the board the other day, I want to move on and move this club forward and into the Conference as soon as possible.

”The board are hungry as well.  Obviously it’s all about finance at the end of the day.  There will be players leaving but I’m having them in on Tuesday.”
 
23-goal striker Danny Kedwell finished an excellent campaign in the Nationwide Conference South, scooping the Players’ player-of-the-year award, and the Supporters’ vote.

Pennock, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude to the fans for a great Saturday night.

”We’ve had a good evening with what the supporters put on.  It was very professionally run and all being well as can build on what we’ve done this year and hopefully we can have another successful season.”