We are delighted that Rob Swaine has agreed to sign for us, says Welling United coach Hugo Langton

WELLING UNITED manager Mark Goldberg has unveiled the signing of centre-half Rob Swaine.

Swaine was Bromley’s captain under Goldberg during his four-year spell at Hayes Lane, reaching the Conference South play-offs in his first season and leading the club to promotion as champions in April 2015.


Hugo Langton welcomes Rob Swaine (right) to Welling United.
Photo: Welling United FC

Essex based Swaine then moved to Billericay Town and Chelmsford City and then returned to the National League where he made 17 appearances for last-placed Maidstone United last season.

He was man-of-the-match for the Stones against Bromley in the Kent Senior Cup Final on 16 April 2019.  The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and Maidstone United won the silverware after winning the penalty shoot-out 3-2 at Hayes Lane.

First team coach Hugo Langton said: “We are delighted that Rob agreed to sign for us.

“Mark and I know him well, what he brings to the pitch and also the changing room.

“He is a top centre-half and a great character to have around. It will be great to work with him again.”

Swaine told www.wellingunited.com:  “Welling is a club I’ve known about for a long time and were unfortunate not to get promoted last season.

“I’ve worked and been successful with Mark Goldberg and Hugo Langton before so I’m very happy to be on board.

“Last season was a bit of a disappointment for me, despite playing well personally.

“I know how good a coach Hugo is and I’m sure that he and the coaching team can attract the right players and build a successful side.

“It will be a tough league again but I’m really looking forward to getting going.”

Swaine’s arrival to Park View Road sees the departure of 27-year-old centre-half Josh Hill, who has signed for their Vanarama National League South rivals Dartford.

“We are delighted that Josh has agreed terms for the coming season,” Dartford joint-manager Adam Flanagan told www.dartfordfc.com.

“He is a commanding defender that has had great success in the last few seasons, gaining promotion with Braintree and narrowly missing out in the play-offs last year at Welling.

“His experience and defensive attributes will add additional competition for places across our back line.”

TONBRIDGE ANGELS have signed centre-half Rian Bray, 20, from Hampton & Richmond Borough.

EBBSFLEET UNITED have lost the services of midfielder Dean Rance, 28, who has signed for their Vanarama National League rivals Aldershot Town.

Despite finishing in the bottom four, The Shots were reprieved from relegation due to Gateshead’s demotion to National League North due to financial issues.

“Firstly, thanks to Ebbsfleet United and the fans for an amazing five years,” Rance said on Twitter.

“I take away so many amazing memories.  Buzzing to have signed for Aldershot though and I cannot wait to get stuck into a new challenge this season.”