DELIGHTED Welling United boss Adrian Pennock has hailed the Kent club's big FA Cup first-round trip to Town on Sunday week as a "dream draw".
The former Norwich, Bournemouth and Gillingham player, who is making a fine impression in his first managerial post, says the atmosphere at the Conference South club has been "buzzing" ever since the pairings were made.
Pennock, age 34, and his players learned of the Galpharm Stadium date from the manager's wife Tania as they sat in the visitors' dressing room at Dorchester after Saturday's 2-1 final qualifying round win.
"Having just denied them a place in the bag, we didn't want to rub Dorchester's noses in it by going into the club bar to watch to draw on TV," he explained.
"Somebody had one of those little radios, but we couldn't get it tuned in, so in the end, Tania, who was watching TV, related it by mobile."
Pennock's phone has been red-hot ever since.
"It's superb for us, and I can honestly say that Huddersfield were on my three-strong wish list.
"Gillingham, being my former club and our nearest League team, and Nottingham Forest, because of their stature, were the others I fancied, but Huddersfield will do nicely.
"I know about their illustrious history, I know how well they've been going in League I this time, I know what a brilliant stadium it is having played there myself and I know what passionate fans they have.
"That came across from watching the recent Bradford game on Sky and hopefully, there will be a good turn-out for our visit.
"Like the majority of non-League clubs, we're not exactly awash with cash, so a big Cup draw like this is a real bonus for us.
"People are already talking about getting them back down here for a replay, but to me, it's one thing at a time, and I know we've got a real test in store.
"Huddersfield have clearly been playing some great football this season, but we'll do our homework on them and go up there and give it our best shot."
Welling have certainly impressed in the Conference South this season, with Pennock, who took over in January when they were struggling near the bottom, piloting them to a current position of fourth.
"There's a long, long way to go, but I'm pleased with things so far," said the man whose long-term goal is to regain the Conference top-flight status Welling held for 14 seasons until 1990.
"When I took over, the club were struggling to meet the wage bill, so it was a case of re-shaping the squad over the summer.
"I had to let some of the higher earners go and bring in new faces, and the result is a basically young squad with a dash of experience.
"There are plenty of non-League clubs around here, so competition for players is hot, but I've managed to use my contacts to recruit a number of former Gillingham lads.
"We've also given a chance to some players from the lower leagues, and the Huddersfield trip is going to be a brilliant experience for them."
Pennock, who cut his managerial teeth as assistant at Gravesend and Northfleet (he arrived after their Cup visit to Town in 2001), works part-time at Welling.
But he sees plenty of his right-hand man Phil Handford, a former Welling player, since the pair operate a contract window-cleaning business.
His daily start is 5.15am, and on match or training nights, he's can be out until midnight or later.
"They say the manager's job is part-time, but only just!" explained Pennock, whose support staff includes former Town loan goalkeeper Vince Bartram.
"You need a supportive wife, and Tania is marvellous.
"We've got five kids between us, ranging from 17 down to one, so you could say life is busy.
"But football is in my blood, and while my playing career ended early (because of a knee injury), I desperately wanted to stay involved, and so far, I'm really enjoying the management challenge.
"I'd love to get the chance to manage a League club, but I have to learn my trade first, and my target is to take Welling United as far as I possibly can."
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Alexander O'Neal 1987 "I'm fed up cos all you wanna do is criticize "
