We have to set realistic targets and stay in the league, says Welling United boss Jamie Day

The Wings clinched the Conference South title last season and are preparing for life back amongst the non-league elite.

Day has decided to change their training regime and will be training on three mornings instead of at night as they prepare for their new adventure.

He said: “We came back this week, obviously pleased with the turn out and making the transition going into mornings so we had a good session on Tuesday and came back in Thursday and Friday and get some fitness under our belts for Saturday’s game.”

Day explained why he felt he had to change their training regime.

“We just felt that we needed to give ourselves the best possible chance in the league above, playing against some massive clubs and clubs who have established themselves in the Conference.

“We felt having the players in the mornings before some of them go into work in the afternoon would be the best way to go and hopefully that will pay off.

“It was a difficult decision to make and it took a little bit of time to set up and do but hopefully we’ve got it all right and got the best preparation that we possibly can with the money that we can afford.”

The Wings open their pre-season campaign with home money-spinning games against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, followed by Millwall next Tuesday and Leyton Orient on Friday 12 July.

Championship neighbours Charlton Athletic will bring their first team squad to Park View Road in the traditional curtain raiser between the two clubs.

“It’s a nice game for us to start with,” said Day.  “We know it’s going to be difficult.  I think they’ve been in for two or three weeks and we’ve only been in this week.

“We have to get a few minutes under our belt and we’ll be looking forward to it. It’s a good game crowd wise and hopefully it will bring some revenue into the club to help out with the finances.”

Day added: “We need to get as many people through the turnstiles for the three home games as we possibly can.  I know at times pre-season games can be a little bit dour and boring but for clubs like us we need decent gates and people supporting the club so we can use that money later on in the season or use that money now.”

The Football Conference published their fixture lists this morning and Welling United must travel to Welsh giants – and last season’s FA Carlsberg Trophy winners – Wrexham on 10 August.

Day is looking forward to their baptism of fire at The Racecourse Ground.

He said: “I think it just shows the gulf in clubs like we’re going to Wrexham when a few years ago Wrexham were in the league at some stage.

“There’s no easy games in that league but I’ve seen the first 5-6 games and it’s a tough start.

“The season we go into there’s no pressure, we’ll go and enjoy it and look forward to playing clubs like Wrexham and hopefully we can put in good performances in and see where it takes us.”

Welling United’s first home game at Park View Road is against Cambridge United three days after their trip to north Wales.

Day said: “I work with Cambridge at my college so I speak to them over the course of the season and they’ve got (former Welling striker) Andy Pugh there who we still keep in touch with.

“It’s a nice game to have for our first home game, another big club that are looking probably to trying to get out of this league this season so we have to make sure we’re prepared for the games and give it our best.”

But Day will take inspiration that Dartford finished as the highest ranked part-time club last season after finishing in eighth-place in the table.

He said: “I still think Dartford and Woking are on a different level to us with grounds and gates – I still think we’re not up to that level yet.

“But I think we’ve got to enjoy this season. We’ve got a good set of young players that I think are good enough to play at this level.  It’s a good test for them and it also puts them in the shop window.

“I think we have to enjoy this season and hopefully use a bit of confidence and hopefully we can show what we can do.

“First game we’re playing Wrexham away in front of a decent crowd and obviously looking forward to it so whatever happens this season right now we’re excited and we’re looking forward to it and we’ll do our best and see if we’re good enough.”

When asked about his aspirations for the season ahead, Day replied, “We need to give a good account of ourselves. I think first and foremost we know where our club is and where we want it to be.

“I think we’ve got to build on last season, obviously winning the league and maybe we changed our thought process a little bit for this season.

“We’ve got to try and follow in the footsteps of Dartford and Woking and if we finish in the top half of the league that will be an unbelievable achievement for me.

“We have to set realistic targets and one of them is to try and stay in the league.”

The Wings remained unbeaten at home throughout the entire season on their way to winning the Conference South title last season and the club will need to mirror that form in the Conference Premier this season.

“I think our home form will be key for us this year,” said Day.  “We’ve done well at home last year and the year before so hopefully we can keep that going.

“The home fans get behind us win, lose or draw.  We’re going to give ourselves a better chance of having a good home record.”

Visit Welling United’s website: www.wellingunited.com  

Welling United  v  Charlton Athletic
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 6^th July 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY