We’re continuing to work hard on adding to the squad, says Welling United boss Jamie Day

Thursday 23rd May 2013

WELLING UNITED manager Jamie Day has been busy this week tying down players from his championship winning side.

Fans’ favourite Loui Fazakerley, the club’s longest-serving player, has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

Fazakerley joined the Wings in November 2008 then under the management of Andy Ford but has blossomed since the arrival of Day.

He made his right-back spot his own last season, although a foot injury in the second half of the campaign restricted him to 29 appearances in total.

Fazakerley did return for the final two matches of their Conference South title-winning campaign.

Day told www.pitchero.com/clubs/wellingutd: “I’m delighted that Loui has signed a new deal. He brings added versatility to the squad and a great work ethic and I know the fans will be delighted that he is staying with us in the Conference Premier.”

Skipper Lee Clark has also signed a new contract to stay at the club for a fifth season.

The popular captain has been an integral part of the Welling midfield during Day’s tenure.

The box-to-box midfielder played a key role in the title-winning campaign, scoring nine goals in 41 appearances.

“We’re delighted that Lee is staying with the club as we make the step up to the Conference Premier,” added Day.

“Even though he reverted to midfield in recent seasons, he is the Conference South’s all-time leading scorer and I’m sure he’ll be looking to add to his tally for the club in the division above next season.

“We’re continuing to work hard on adding to the squad and Lee’s signature is another sign of our ambitions.”

Clarke, who started his career at Peterborough United, also played for St Albans City and has had a loan spell at Cambridge City earlier in his time with the Wings.

Left-back Jack Obersteller has also opted to remain at Park View Road.

The former Exeter City and Grays Athletic defender, who has made the left-back position his own since first joining the Wings in 2010, has penned a new one-year contract.

Day said: “Jack proved himself as one of the best full-backs in Conference South last season, if not the best.

“I’m sure he will continue to impress next season and I know our fans will be delighted that he is staying with the club.”

Obersteller made 38 appearances in last season’s title-winning team.

Former Welling United striker, Jon Main, 32, put pen to paper to sign for Ryman Premier League newcomers Thamesmead Town last night.

Meanwhile, Welling United are delighted to announce that it is giving supporters a further chance to purchase shares in Welling United Football Club CIC Ltd.

A club statement said: “Following on from last year’s opportunity the club is seeking to both widen its share ownership whilst at the same time raising valuable funds to help secure its future and assist with maintaining its status as a Conference National team.

“Dependent on monies raised the club will seek to further strengthen its balance sheet by settling certain liabilities, but in addition is seeking to raise funds in order that it can progress further, ground development/improvement plans which to date are in their infancy.

“The club is hoping shortly to announce the appointment of a strategic partner in this area with the appropriate level of expertise required to ensure that we can develop sustainable facilities at Welling United for both ourselves as well as the wider community.”

To register an interest in this Share Purchase Opportunity please email wufcir@taxassist.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Dartford boss Tony Burman has made a trio of new summer signings after finishing as the highest ranked part-time club in the Conference Premier.

Former Gillingham goalkeeper Alan Julian, 29, has arrived from Newport County, who will be playing League Two football next season after sealing promotion via the Conference Premier play-offs.

Burman told www.dartfordfconline.com: “After meeting Alan a couple of times, I was impressed with his professionalism and I am looking forward to having someone of his experience here at Dartford FC.”

Burman has also raided Chelmsford City for a couple of players, following the Essex club failing to get out of Conference South after losing to runners-up Salisbury City in the play-off semi-final.

Central defender, Kenny Clark, 24, and central midfielder Max Cornhill, 26, have both put pen to paper to sign for the Princes Park outfit.

Visit Welling United’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/wellingutd

Visit Dartford’s website: www.dartfordfconline.com