Ryan Maxwell is a man on a mission! After becoming Welling United manager in November last year, the Irishman steered the Wings to safety and this campaign, many experts are predicting Welling as potential challengers for honours. 

But if there is one thing the Wings boss will be, its being level-headed knowing exactly what his side can do and that is just what he was when we caught up him this week ahead of the mouth-watering Kent derby with Ben Greenhalgh’s Dartford at Princes Park on Saturday. 

“We’ve scored six and conceded none in two home games and it’s the home form that I certainly wanted to have when we came in,” Maxwell explained. 

“It was towards the end of the season as well so we have continued that which is pleasing as we look to make the home ground a fortress which is something we massively drive into the players so we have had a good start, bar from one really really poor half away at Leatherhead… never managed a half like it – five attempts on goal and four of them going in, it was crazy. But these things happen in football as the unexpected can happen.” 

“Overall though you only win three points or you lose three points, it keeps you level headed and I have been pleased with the start that we have made knowing that this squad will only get stronger as we go on, and when you look at the game this Saturday, it’s going to be a great game and I cannot wait – these are the games that I really do enjoy and look forward to.  

“Derbies are unique and we will be going to a team who are unbeaten; it’s going to be a tough game as we are away from home but that excites me – the tougher the game the more excited I am!” 

Maxwell then admitted some surprise about the popularity of his side in the tipsters list for having a successful season. “It seems that everyone is tipping us to be one of the top, top sides,” he told us. 

“It’s flattering – certainly flattering as it means that those people have confidence in what we are trying to achieve and what we have done already, and also what we can do – we have recruited some very good players but ultimately we know that what we are working with financially. 

“It’s miles apart from some other teams in the division, but I have never been someone to analyse the money as much as the quality of the player or how to manage them in terms of what is more important. To have lots of money makes its easier of course but I have been at clubs where there has been very little money available.” 

“Looking at the game on Saturday, if we are to be a serious contender, we will want to come away with a positive result and in the past historically we have gone to places in my previous jobs and beaten teams who are top of the league or doing very well. I am certainly aware of the task, but I think that the players are more than capable of getting that result!” 

Image courtesy of Ronnie Hicks