Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell outlines plans for a top-six push in the Isthmian Premier next season after avoiding relegation

Ryan Maxwell is aiming to keep his Welling squad together for a top-six push after pulling off the great escape.

The Wings, bottom of the table towards the end of February, finished 15th in the Isthmian Premier after eight wins and two draws in their final 13 games.

It was an astonishing turnaround as Maxwell’s changes took hold and he feels he already has the players to overcome big-spending rivals and challenge at the other end of the table next season.

Player-of-the-year, defender Lekan Majoyegbe, has already committed his future, along with striker Ade Azeez, and further names are set to be announced.

“There will be lots of retention,” said manager Maxwell, whose side ended the campaign with a 2-2 draw against Billericay in front of a bumper crowd of 1,200 at Park View Road on Saturday.

“I’ve got five players already agreed to stay, with more to come, I’m sure, and that’s quite humbling, that people want to spend another year with you, knowing how demanding I am and how intense it is.

“But I think they see it’s well worth it and what we can achieve together, and what we have done in the period of time we’ve been together has been nothing short of incredible.

“So, who would want to leave that, I suppose?

“You’ve got to look at where we can improve but the reality is we’ve lost one game in nine, we’re maybe third in the form guide in the last 10 games, so we mustn’t need that much, but we can’t rest on our laurels.

“I’ve said to the players, everyone is welcome back here, every single one of them.

“They’ve shown they’ve got the ability and the characteristics I need to make a challenge on a top-six spot and they’ve earned that.

“Of course, there’s always one or two that find their way to you but they’re going to have