As hard as it is to admit, the financial pressures of supporting our club has taken its toll on me and I make no excuses for needing to take the time out with my family, says Welling United chairman/manager Mark Goldberg

WELLING UNITED chairman/manager Mark Goldberg says the pressures of the clubs disappointing start to the season has taken its toll on him personally.

The Wings are in seventeenth-place in the Vanarama National League South table having collected 23 points from their 22 league games and are only three points clear of the relegation zone, which is currently occupied by Tonbridge Angels and Hungerford Town.

Welling United put in a poor performance at home in a 3-0 defeat to their local rivals Dartford on Boxing Day, with Dartford boss Steve King – who guided Welling United to the play-off final at the end of last season – questioning why Goldberg was away on holiday for the fixture, leaving Hugo Langton and Osei Sankofa in charge of team affairs.

Two days later, Welling United went down to a 2-1 defeat at Eastbourne Borough and they travel to Dartford for the return on New Years’ Day (15:00).

“As we approach the new year, we reflect on the disappointing start to our campaign this season, especially in light of last season’s success which involved reaching the play off final despite the financial repercussions that unfortunately could not be repeated again this season,” said Goldberg in a statement.

“I apologise to supporters for having to suffer the disappointment of our form on the field and the recent embarrassment of losing to our neighbours on Boxing Day, followed by further defeat against Eastbourne two days later, heightened by the fact that I am away during this crucial period.

“I acknowledge the criticism, especially without the knowledge of what goes on behind the scenes and I also understand that if I was paying a manager to do the job I certainly wouldn’t expect him to be away during this crucial period. However, as hard as it is to admit, the financial pressures of supporting our club has taken its toll on me and I make no excuses for needing to take the time out with my family.

“It is also clear that the performances on the field haven’t helped and I will be addressing this to do my utmost to provide the changes we need to get back on track early in the new year.

“Meanwhile, we have a massive game on New Year’s Day and I truly hope you all are prepared to get fully behind the team as they need you right now while confidence is low. There is nothing like hearing our supporters get behind the team even when we are on a run of poor form.

“I also want to wish all our staff and supporters a very happy and healthy new year and promise to do my utmost to provide a better outcome for the team during the second half of our campaign this season and hopefully also generate progress in our quest for new stadium facilities to ensure our long-term sustainability.”

Dartford, meanwhile, have climbed up to tenth-place in the table with 31 points from their 23 league outings, having comfortably beaten struggling Tonbridge Angels in their last outing.

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