Pennock relishes "tough test" from Charlton's stars - EXCLUSIVE

Welling United manager Adrian Pennock heaped praise on his star-striker Danny Kedwell today, after coming back from his week-long trial at Brentford to score the Wings only goal during their 1-0 win at Folkestone Invicta on Saturday, writes Stephen McCartney.

The highly-rated striker is expected to start the season at the Nationwide Conference South club - much to the delight of the Wings boss.

Whilst some players might have returned with a bad attitude, Pennock revealed Kedwell’s attitude was “spot-on”.

Pennock said in an EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he is pleased for “selfish reasons” that Kedwell hasn’t signed for the League One club, after playing for the Bees during the first half of their 1-0 win at Basingstoke Town.

And he expects the strong striker will be wearing a Wings shirt when the club opens their Nationwide Conference South campaign when Weston-super-Mare visit Park View Road on 12^th August.

“As a Welling United manager I’ve got to be selfish that’s he’s going to stay,” said Pennock.

“After that I’d like to see him, and anyone move on, as I’ve done my job and give credit to the player as well, but until we hear otherwise, nothing is happening.”

Kedwel, who joined Welling United from Kent League side Herne Bay last summer, scored the only goal of the game at the Buzzlines Stadium, heading home Jamie Day’s 82^nd minute corner.

“His mentality was spot on,” Pennock said. “He had a great attitude but that’s him all over.

“He worked really hard, scored the goal and got stronger as the game went on. He done very well and he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

Pennock, meanwhile, hopes his side won’t disgrace themselves when their Premiership neighbours Charlton Athletic visit Park View Road for their annual showpiece pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.

Last summer the Wings drew Alan Curbishley’s side 1-1, but Pennock warned the Addicks will be fitter this time around.

“’I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be great,” said the former Gillingham player.

“It’s good for the first team to be playing against Premiership opposition and it’s good for the club because of the money the game generates.

“Charlton are bringing their first team down, with their new manager (Iain Dowie) and Jimmy Lloyd-Hasselbaink - it will be a great evening.”

But Pennock wants Welling United fans to enjoy watching first class players at Park View Road and don’t be too concerned about the result.

“I don’t want a 15-0, it’s going to be very difficult,” he said. “Last year Charlton just came back from their holiday’s and it was their first game back but this year’s totally different.

“They’ve played games and it will be very difficult for us. Last year they were very rusty but this year they’ve been aboard and played games in this country - it will be a good test for everyone.”

Welling, who lost just twice on home soil in the Nationwide Conference South last term, will be looking to get off to a winning start on 12^th August, when Weston-super-Mare visit Park View Road.

“At least six to seven teams have spent money in this league but I understand that we could go for it and gamble but the survival of the football club is important.

“The budget is less than the one from the one I finished last season,” Pennock revealed.

Pennock revealed he will be giving all of his squad the chance to impress against Iain Dowie’s side, but Matt Bodkin (broken arm) is ruled out and although “not a bad break,” he will be in plaster for a week.

And Akwasi Edusei, 19, a summer signing from Gillingham, is expected to recover from the hamstring injury he picked up in the 2-1 defeat to Grays Athletic on 22^nd July, to be fit for the start of the league campaign.

* With a crowd of over 3,000 expected at Park View Road on Wednesday night, fans are advised to get to the ground early.

Admission prices are £10 (adults), £6 (under 15s and OAP Terrace) and it will cost an extra £2 for seating.