NEIL SMITH has made his first signing as Welling player-manager by convincing Richard Carpenter to return to Park View Road.

Carpenter has been the subject of offers from League 2 Brentford, Blue Square Premier Aldershot and Ryman League Maidstone during the close season.

But the former Gillingham and Brighton midfielder, who made 16 Welling appearances last season, has put pen to paper for the Wings and Smith is convinced that he will play a major role.

He said: "It's a massive signing for the club. Richard lost a bit of love for the game last season but he has got that back and he wants to show people at Welling what he is really about.

"He had a couple of offers from clubs higher up so it's a big boost for me that he wanted to sign and I'm glad to have his experience in the squad.

"It puts a marker down now and makes a statement about my intentions."

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