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Welling manager Peter Taylor says his team are ahead of schedule after an impressive run of results.
The Wings have won three of six games under Taylor’s charge, including last Saturday’s 1-0 success over Billericay.
They’ve only conceded eight goals in six games, a stark contrast to the shambolic defence Taylor inherited that shipped 21 in their first six league matches.
“I’m delighted to have 14 points, I never dreamt I’d have that three or four games ago so I’m very pleased,” said Taylor.
“I think we’re ahead of schedule but we’ve got to keep going.
“I think we’re being very realistic at the moment. We’re looking at teams that are down there with us and know we have to try and get something out of the game.
“When we play the top sides maybe we’ll look at it a little differently. This situation here is let’s be realistic, we know it’s a tough game so work harder than the opposition.
“People thought I maybe wouldn’t come to this level and I had my doubts as well. But when the phone rang, I thought I’m going to do it and I’m really pleased I have.
“We train Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with them. We’ve had some bad days as well, the second half against Hampton wasn’t great, but over the season I’m sure we’ll be all right.
“There’s some massive games coming up against some big teams in this division, like your Maidstone’s and Ebbsfleet’s. We know we’re not at that level but we’ve got to keep grinding away to get enough points to stay in (the division).”
The win over Billericay was a second clean sheet in three home games for Taylor – something he didn’t think was possible so quickly after watching Welling lose 6-0 at home to Dartford before taking on the challenge at Park View Road.
“Honestly, we were so open and they were conceding in the first five minutes of most games,” said Taylor. “We’ve now got that bit tougher mentality when they start matches.
“If you’d have seen the team that I did against Dartford, you’d have said if we can get some clean sheets that would be good and probably not thinking that we’d actually get them.
“In the end we’ve now had two clean sheets and it’s good, I’m really pleased. They are working exceptionally hard and giving themselves a chance of getting a clean sheet.
“It’s (down to) getting on the training field regarding systems and shapes, and you’ve got to keep working at it.
“We’ve also been very fortunate that Mark Goldberg has been very helpful and we’ve brought in three or four players that have helped the team.”
Taylor’s enthusiasm for the game was clear to see on the touchline against Billericay, and his young squad are already clearly learning from a man who has managed at the top level and even taken charge of England in a caretaker capacity.
After conducting post-match interviews on Saturday, Taylor could be seen on the touchline passing on more words of wisdom to match-winner Aaron Barnes.
The Welling manager said: “The players know I’m a grumpy old bloke at times but they know I mean well. If I’m grumpy it means they are not doing what they are capable of.
“That’s praise for them in a way as it means I like them, it means they are good players. If I didn’t think they were good players I wouldn’t get frustrated with them because I’d think they can’t do it. They are young, hungry and athletic.
“One thing Mark Goldberg said when he invited me to be manager was you’ll enjoy working with this bunch of players, and he was right.
“They are young, they need a little bit of help but they are very good to work with.
“Any new players who come in are made so welcome by them and that’s why we’ve got a good spirit.
“There’s a couple of subs who have been taken off and at other clubs they might have the raving hump but they were cheering when we got the winner. It’s a good sign.
“All we try to do is make sure we’re well prepared on the Saturday and if it means you can give them training that’s enjoyable as well then that’s a plus.”
