by Matthew Panting

New Welling boss Jamie Day has defended the club's decision to hand him the managerial post.

Day, 30, takes over at Park View Road on Monday after the Wings agreed a compensation package - believed to be a four-figure fee - with Dartford over the weekend.

The midfielder, who intends to continue his playing career, beat off competition from former Ebbsfleet assistant boss Alan Kimble to land the job.

Day (pictured) said: "I know some people say that I am too young and inexperienced but if you don't give people a chance then how can they get that experience?

"It's always something I've wanted to do. I've done all the coaching badges as far as I can at the moment.

"When I went into the non-league game I took the decision to get into coaching.

"It has come earlier than I thought but, while I am young, I don't think my age will be a problem."

Day feared that he would never get the chance after Dartford refused to release him from his contract until a suitable compensation package had been agreed.

"At one stage, I didn't think it would happen as the clubs couldn't agree compensation," said Day, who watched Welling's 1-0 Blue Square South win at Worcester on Saturday. "But obviously they got speaking and everything got cleared up.

"I had three good years at Welling as a player and I used to watch them when I was a kid as well.

"I told them that I was interested if there was a chance that they would want me. I had a chat with them a few weeks later and the rest is history as they say.

"When you get that kind of opportunity you are going to take it. I see this as a good starting point for me in my managerial career. I wouldn't have left Dartford for any other club."