We've created a fun environment to bring back a bit of confidence, says Day

Sunday 22nd November 2009

ROOKIE Welling United player-manager Jamie Day says his side must carry on their impressive run of form of late for the crunch home game against Hampton & Richmond Borough on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

Day, 30, won his second game in charge of the Wings as they defeated Tonbridge Angels 3-2 to book their place in the first round draw (which takes place tomorrow morning) of the FA Carlsberg Trophy.

Andy Pugh, 20, scored within 21 minutes of his second debut, having returned to Park View Road on a one-month loan spell from Coca-Cola League One side Gillingham, and two-goals from former Cray Wanderers striker, Tom Whitnell sealed progress.

Tuesday night’s clash against Hampton & Richmond can be described as a six-pointer as the Beavers arrive at Park View Road in 17th place in the Blue Square South table with 20 points from 16 games - one game in hand over the Wings who are just one place and one point above them.

But the Wings go into the game on a five match unbeaten run - their best run of form so far this season.

“We can take our form from today’s game and Saturday’s game into Tuesday and we’ll be quietly confident,” Day told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“But we can’t let our levels drop now, we’re still down there and we’re still fighting to get out of the situation we’re in.

“We’ve got to get something from the game and go into Saturday’s game (away to fifth-placed side Basingstoke Town) full of confidence.

“If we play like we have done, we may come away from (there with) something.”

Day was Trophy-tied for today’s game against Tonbridge Angels so Sam Hurrell and Ryan Johnson played in the middle of the park and impressed their newly installed manager.

When asked whether he will take to the field on Tuesday night, Day replied, “We’ll see, I thought the two midfield lads played really well today and whilst I do want to play, if they keep performing like that then I will have to stay in the technical area.

“I’ve said along if they come in and play well they deserve to keep their place and they will and if that means me not playing and we’re winning and getting results then that’s fine.”

But Day is pleased with the reaction of his new squad, following his switch from unbeaten Ryman Premier League leaders Dartford, where he was a midfield player.

“It’s a little bit different,” he said. “You see the other side of it that you don’t see when you’re a player. But I’m enjoying it, obviously with us, two good results, is making it good.

“I’m still good friends with Tony and I know he’s only a phone call away but if I need advice then he’ll be the first person I turn to.

“I don’t think my age has been a problem. We’ve tried to create a fun environment to bring back a bit of confidence that I think was lost and so far everything that we’ve asked them to do they’ve done.”

Darts boss Tony Burman saw his side lose an enthralling five-goal FA Carlsberg Trophy tie at Dover Athletic yesterday, and wishes Day all the very best in football management.

“I didn’t want to stop that opportunity - and good luck to him,” Burman told www.kentishfootball.co.uk at Crabble following yesterday’s excellent game of football.

“He knows I’m at the end of the phone if he needs any advice and I’m sure he will. It’s going to be difficult for him, it’s a tough job and you’re learning all the time. I’m learning all the time as well.

“Most of the time it’s not the things that are happening on Saturday’s. I’ve been out like other managers, I’ve been at out four nights a week this week watching games and it’s all about other things that you’ve got to get used to.”

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com

Welling United v Hampton & Richmond Borough

Blue Square South

Tuesday 24th November 2009

Kick Off 7:45pm

At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY