WELLING defender Chris Moore insists he is happy to take charge of the team for as long as he is needed.

Moore and captain Richard Carpenter were installed as caretaker joint-managers after the departure of manager Neil Smith and his assistant Stuart Nethercott on Monday.

Moore said: "We've arranged training for Thursday evening and Saturday morning and will work on a game plan for the Grays match on Tuesday.

"Until anything changes we are working on the basis that we will take the Grays game, if someone comes in before that then they will have a team ready to go.

"If the new manager doesn't come along yet, for whatever reason, then I'd love to be caretaker for as long as I'm needed.

"We've got a few ideas about what we want to do with the players that we've got."

Moore is busy searching for new recruits to bolster the squad but admits that it is difficult to bring new faces in given the current uncertainty.

"I've spoken to a few people and we'll see what is about," he added. "It's difficult for players to come to us at the moment.

"But if someone does become available then we've been given the green light to get them involved. We've got a good foundation but we just need to build on it."

As for the departure of Neil Smith, Moore felt that his former manager did not get the rub of the green.

Paying tribute to Smith, the towering centre-back said: "I've been playing some of the best football of my career under Neil.

"His man-management skills and motivation were brilliant but the results didn't go his way.

"I feel sorry for him because he has put in so much hard work. I'm disappointed but he will get back in football and have the opportunity to carry on his career."