SACKED Welling manager Neil Smith plans to stay in football despite leaving his first managerial post inside seven months.

In his first interview since being fired, Smith spoke of his disappointment at the decision, how he gave his all to the club and that he still believes the Wings can steer clear of the Blue Square South drop zone.

Smith said: "I'm still raw over what has happened but I'm frustrated and disappointed.

"It's not made me think about other careers, I still have a great passion for the game.

"I've got a few years left playing-wise, and I still want to be involved as a coach or a manager further down the line. It's probably made me more determined to succeed."

Smith was quick to stress that he gave everything he could to the cause and hoped Welling's fans realised how much he put into the job.

"I know it hasn't been great for the supporters but I hope they realise that I gave everything I had," he said.

"I gave my all as a manager, a player, on the training ground and watching games. I couldn't have done any more.

"Financially it has been difficult but I wouldn't change it for the world. If I had a chance to do it all over again then I would.

"I've put a lot of things on hold and I've got a lot of catching up to do in the next few weeks."

Smith, who confirmed that he will also leave the club as a player, praised his squad for their efforts and believes that they are good enough to avoid the drop.

"I'm still confident in the players," said Smith. "I wish the whole club the very best and hope they get into mid-table as quickly as possible.

"I can understand why they have changed it. There's a few regrets but I will keep them to myself.

"I can only thank the players, they gave me their all but maybe it wasn't good enough in the end."