DEFIANT Welling manager Neil Smith has vowed to carry on as manager despite last Saturday's FA Trophy exit.

Smith came under pressure to resign from the club's travelling supporters after his injury-hit side crashed out at Ryman League Premier Division strugglers Wealdstone.

But the former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder has vowed to come out fighting in a bid to retain his job.

He said: "I totally understand and agree with what the supporters said on Saturday.

"A few shouted at the players at the end and the players shouted back but they had no defence.

"The fans want the players to wear the shirt with pride and give everything they've got.

"They are the same supporters who clapped us off when we beat Bromley and they've got every right to say what they did.

"But I'm a fighter, I've been in horrible situations before and got out of them.

"I've sacrificed a lot at home to be Welling manager, I want to be successful and I'm still up for the fight.

"I'm not going to let that game kill me off. I'm a proud person but I don't feel proud after that performance."

Smith will hold a clear-the-air meeting with his squad at training on Monday evening and is expecting to make major changes in the coming weeks.

The first casualty is utility man Adam Cottrell, who has been released and is expected to join Blue Square South strugglers Dorchester.