We are sorry to lose Hugo Langton and any of our players as a result of this budget cut, says Welling United chairman Mark Goldberg

WELLING UNITED chairman Mark Goldberg has confirmed the departure of assistant manager Hugo Langton due to a budget cut.

 

The Wings have extended their winless run to eight games and have slipped down to 12^th place in the Vanarama National League South table with 32 points from 24 games, eight points adrift of seventh-placed Hemel Hempstead Town.

Jamie Coyle, who stays on as manager, saw the club suffer back-to-back defeats to league leaders Dartford over Christmas and Goldberg has wielded the axe tonight.

In a statement, Mr Goldberg told www.wellingunited.com: “I continue to support Jamie Coyle as manager.  I have, however, addressed the fact that our budget has been increased recently and because of recent results we need to revert to our original budget to ensure we put the club on a more sustainable route forward financially.

“Two players will also go out on loan in order to make way for two new additions to the team in order to maintain our sights on possible play-off places as a goal for the remainder of the season.

“We are sorry to lose Hugo Langton and any of our players as a result of this budget cut but thank them for their good contribution to date and wish them well for their future in the game.”

In an interview screened on the club website, Coyle revealed that he will spent more time in the technical area than the pitch.

“The budget’s been cut so unfortunately as happens in football we’ve had to reduce the playing squad as well as the management team and Hugo’s unfortunately had to move on,” said Coyle.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank him for everything that he’s done. His professionalism, work-rate and everything that he’s added to what we’ve done so far has been tremendous and we’d like to thank him for that. It’s a real shame and the boys are upset as well because he’s a great character to have around.”

The budget cut at Park View Road has seen winger Christian Nanetti being made available for loan, central defender Sean Francis who will leave on dual-registration and Ian Gayle has had to move on as well.

Ex-Southampton utility man Harley Willard has signed after having his contract terminated by Vanarama National League side Maidstone United.

However, the arrival of former Wing, central defender Anthony Acheampong, who arrives on loan from Bostik Premier Division leaders Dulwich Hamlet, will allow Coyle to concentrate on managing to turn around the club’s fortunes.

“Anthony is a top-class centre half and I’ve played with him previously, strong, quick and another talker and a man that’s going to add real value to what we’ve already got,” said Coyle.

“It’s been a disappointing week losing some real key people that have worked hard for us this season so far but I understand with recent results, changes had to be made and I think in the long run it will really shake up results and individual performances.

“Hopefully it will allow us to turn the corner moving forward.  I think there’s been a few chats this week. There’s an opportunity now for me to step away from the playing side and concentrate on managing and turn this form around.

“I’ve not been able to do all the jobs with the best of my ability so it’s a good opportunity for me to step away from the playing and get the management side right.”

Langton, who was part of Goldberg’s management team that helped Bromley win the Conference South title in April 2015 and was at Eastbourne Borough before coming to Welling United, says it’s time to move on and look forward.

“It’s with sadness I left Welling United.  Mark Goldberg has had to cut the budget and as I have worked without a contract unfortunately the budget cut has affected my position," said Langton's statement, that was published on his Twitter account.

“I’d like to wish Jamie Coyle and the players all the very best and wish them success.

“I can put my head on my pillow at night knowing I’ve done my job and I have done everything asked of me.

“Football can be hard at times and even unfair but we all know it’s a tough yet unique industry.

“I’m now looking forward to my next challenge wherever that may be.”

Welling United host fifteenth-placed Eastbourne Borough to Park View Road on Saturday, 6 January 2018 (15:00).

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