WELLING manager Adrian Pennock has revealed the opportunity to get back into full-time football was too good to turn down.

The former Gillingham and Bournemouth defender, who took over at Park View Road in January 2005, has spoken at length for the first time since his departure was revealed.

Pennock will leave Welling at the end of this season to take up a role within the youth academy at Stoke City.

Pennock said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for me and I didn't want to look back in five years and wonder what might have been. I'm back in full-time football, I know Tony Pulis well and it's a great challenge for me.

"I know I've got a lot to learn - I'm not stupid - but I can't wait to get started on a new adventure."

Pennock was also shortlisted for the vacant managerial posts at Aldershot and Woking but he insisted that his exit from Welling was not a forgone conclusion.

Pennock said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed it at Welling and if I had been offered a job like Aldershot then I would have had a really hard decision to make.

"Potentially, Welling is a big club and I've got a lot of time for everyone at the club from top to bottom - from the Hobbins family through to the fans.

"If it wasn't for Welling then the Stoke move wouldn't have come up - Welling gave me the chance as a manager and I'll always be grateful.

Pennock also paid tribute to his backroom staff during his time with Welling, including his assistant Phil Handford who will also leave the club this summer.

He added: "Every manager needs a great number two and Phil has been magnificent for me.

"We've turned Welling around from a side struggling against relegation to one trying to get into the play-offs and enjoyed good cup runs."

Welling host Hayes at Park View Road on Saturday in what is set to be Pennock's last game in charge as their play-offs hopes have faded in the last fortnight.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Park View Road every week in the Bexley Extra.