My players deserve five star treatment, praises Pennock
EXCLUSIVE


Adrian Pennock joked he'll probably become the Mayor of Welling if his side knock League One outfit Huddersfield Town out of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, writes Stephen McCartney.

Things are going very well for the former Gillingham star at Park View Road this season.  The Wings go into their biggest game of the season sitting in second place (or joint-top) in the Nationwide Conference South table following their 4-2 win at strugglers Maidenhead United on Saturday.

And the likes of Jamie Turner, Rob Owen and Danny Kedwell can expect five star (well almost) treatment over the weekend as the Kent side prepare for their FA Cup first round clash at a side that only have Southend United and Swansea City above them in their division.

But Pennock is keeping level headed about his side's ambitions in league football - aiming for a place in the top half of the table, but we all want them to join Gravesend & Northfleet in the Nationwide Conference next season.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Pennock said: "I've said all along, there is a long way to go but I can't argue we've really had a good start to the league campaign.

"I've always said, and I always will, if we finish in the top half we'll have a good season.

"I still believe teams like Farnborough, Lewes, Cambridge, Weymouth and Havant will be the ones that will be up there and there abouts at the end of the season.

"But iff we can finish in the top half that will be a good season for us.  

"Already we've had a very good cup run, which is a massive plus for us, obviously financially and for everybody connected with the football club.

"If we finish in the top half - with this cup run - we will believe it will be a successful season after what's happened at the club in the past few years."

Pennock, however, admitted his charges aren't making the trip to The Galpharm Stadium just to make up the numbers.

"We are the underdogs but we're not going there to make up the numbers," he said.

"We are going to give it a good go.  We won't go there with any fear and hopefully we'll come out of the game with some pride.

"I'm not going to say we are going there and win but we'll give it 110% during the game and see what happens."

But as it's the FA Cup, this cup competition, which has seen non-league sides such as Hereford United, Sutton United, Yeovil Town knock out their higher league opponents - so why can't it be Welling United's turn?

"We've already won on the financial side of things with the draw we've got against Huddersfield," said Pennock.

"It is the FA Cup and there has been shocks before.  However, I think shocks are coming less now than they did a few years ago.

"But as you say it's all on the day, somebody could get sent-off in the first five minutes, we could get a lucky goal but football is a funny old game and you never know what's going to happen."

But the return to fitness of former Margate striker, Che Stadhart is a welcomed boost for the Wings boss.

"It's a massive boost for him," he said.  "It's like a new signing for me and Che will give me lots of options.

"He's a good footballer and will score goals for me.  He's scored in this league and higher and I'm pleased he's started his goal campaign on Saturday at Maidenhead."

Pennock's scouts have reported back with lots of information on their opponents, and he went on to say: "To be fair, there's a massive difference in the leagues between us but as we've said before it is the FA Cup and it's the best cup competition in the world in football terms and there are shocks and it will be nice for the Kent clubs to be one of them."

Kent football has bounced back from last season's gloom - as we all knew it would - and Gillingham (who start at this stage) are joined by Welling, Folkestone Invicta (who travel to League Two outfit Chester City) and Ramsgate (at Nationwide Conference North side Nuneaton Borough), which is pleasing the Wings boss.

"In Kent we've got three teams in the first round plus Gillingham, so it's good for this area," he said.

"Obviously I want Welling to go through but I want teams in Kent to do well.  It's a great day out for teams like us."

Pennock revealed their plans for the build up to their big occasion.  They will be travelling up on Saturday afternoon, having a meal and staying at a hotel - which is what his players deserve.

"My players deserve it as they've been absolutely superb," praised Pennock.

"Everyone of them has given me everything and deserve to be wined and dined, staying in a hotel, playing in a great stadium.  

"They've worked very hard for eachother, got great team spirit in the camp and it will be a great occasion for them."

Huddersfield Town v Welling United
FA Cup First Round
Sunday 6th November 2005
Kick Off 1:00pm
at The Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX