Welling United chairman Mark Goldberg cuts the playing budget to balance the books

WELLING UNITED chairman Mark Goldberg says he has been forced to cut the playing budget due to reduced sponsorship income and crowd figures.

 

Goldberg appointed Steve King as manager during the summer and he has guided the club to a top-five placing in the Vanarama National League South table with 44 points from 26 games.

Brandon Kiernan scored the only goal of the game that defeated Eastbourne Borough at Park View Road yesterday, a game that was watched by a crowd of 445.

“Overall, the first half of 2018-19 has produced good results and we find ourselves in one of the play-off positions, which was our target for the season.  We have 44 points, which should mean that our National League South status is safe,” Goldberg told www.wellingunited.com.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to reach the First Round Proper of The FA Cup or to progress in The FA Trophy and therefore benefit from the associated income that can be generated.

“This, combined with reduced sponsorship income and crowd figures that have not improved, means that in order to balance the books, we now need to make a reduction in our playing budget accordingly, whilst trying to remain as competitive as possible.”

The Wings have sent Zak Newton back to his former club, Bostik Premier Division side Worthing on a one-month loan deal.

Matt Paterson and John-Paul Kissock have both returned to their former clubs Havant & Waterlooville and Whitehawk respectively.

King, however, has been allowed to bring in former Greenwich Borough and Phoenix Sports striker Jack Barham, 22, on loan from Vanarama National League side Barnet until the rest of the season.

Welling United travel to seventh-placed side Billericay Town next Saturday, 26 January 2019 (15:00).

The Essex side re-appointed former Welling boss Harry Wheeler as manager during the past week, following his short spell in charge of Maidstone United earlier in the season.

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