NEW Welling boss Neil Smith will carry on playing next season as he embarks on his first managerial role.

Smith was appointed Welling manager on Wednesday night to succeed his former Gillingham team-mate Adrian Pennock.

The 35-year-old played a full season for Nationwide Conference Woking last season and will register as a player again for the Wings.

Smith said: "I'm looking to continue playing. I played 41 out of 46 games for Woking last season so fitness is not a problem for me.

"Of course, I would prefer someone to be knocking on the door and keeping me out of the side - that's the type of players I want around me at the club."

Smith is keen to stamp his own authority on the squad during the summer and knows the direction he wants to take.

He said: "I'm going to be a motivator, I want the players to work hard, give 100 per cent and enjoy their football.

"I also want to play attacking football. I was under Kevin Keegan at Fulham and it was all about scoring more goals than the opposition.

"Adrian Pennock had a tremendous season last year and I want to carry that on. I know that the club and the supporters want to move forward.

"We're competing with clubs that are well backed financially, but if I can get a team spirit and work ethic in the squad that I want then I'm sure we will do well.

"I'll make errors and I'm going to learn along the way, but this is where I want to be."

Smith hopes to appoint an assistant shortly and has already spoken to potential new signings, while physio Dave Lawson is expected to remain at Park View Road.

"It's been 100mph already," he added. "I've spoken to a few players already who are thinking about joining the club, but I also want to speak to the current squad and give them a chance."

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