HARRY Wheeler says he cannot wait to be back in the AGP Arena’s home dugout when Billericay Town face Welling United tomorrow.

Wheeler is back in charge of Town after being named as Dean Brennan’s successor last week.

And Wheeler believes the Billericay fans could play a crucial role if the club is to reach its goal of winning promotion to the top tier of non-league football.

“I love the club and the fans, so I’m pleased to be back,” said Wheeler, whose first spell in charge came to an end last August.

“The players and fans were always excellent to me during my first spell here and Billericay is like a home to me.

“It will be a special occasion tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to being back in the home dugout in front of the supporters.

“At the same time, it will be a bit surreal after such a quick turnaround.

“But promotion is still the aim for the playing and management staff.

“Promotion was the target at the start of the season and that hasn’t changed for me.

“Hopefully the fans will come out in their numbers, get behind us and we can start that journey by picking up three points tomorrow.”

Despite being confirmed as Billericay’s new manager seven days ago, Wheeler was not in the dugout for the derby draw with Concord Rangers last weekend.

Jamie O’Hara, who has been appointed player-coach, was in charge as goals from Connor Smith and Moses Emmanuel put Town on course for three points at the Aspect Arena before Jack Midson’s late leveller from the penalty spot.

And Wheeler, who was watching from the stands, was encouraged by his side’s performance.

“I think the players got better as the game went on and showed real quality in certain passages of play,” added Wheeler.

“We were the better side, particularly in the second half, and it was a good performance.

“It’s great to have Jamie as my right-hand man because he has a real desire and hunger to learn.

“Jamie has great experience and, as a player-coach, he can also do his bit on the pitch when required.”

Billericay will go head-to-head with Welling, another side in the National League South play-off places, in Wheeler’s first clash back at the helm.

The reverse fixture took place during Wheeler’s first spell in charge, with Billericay running out 3-0 winners at Park View Road in August.

Adam Coombes, Simon Walton and Jake Robinson were on target that day, but only Coombes remains in south Essex after Walton and Robinson joined Wheeler during his four-month stint in charge of National League side Maidstone United.

And Wheeler admitted a lot has changed since the two sides met for the fourth fixture of the campaign.

“It will be a totally different game to the reverse fixture because both teams have changed a lot,” said Wheeler, who confirmed Lloyd Doyley and Jamar Loza will miss out on this weekend’s encounter through injury.

“Welling are a good side who are right up there in the table, but it’s about us and we’ll focus on ourselves.”