Although currently bottom of the league, Welling United Chairman Mark Goldberg has sent an open letter to all clubs in the three National League divisions, stating that they are in favour of accepting loans to finish the season.
The letter reads:
Dear All Chairperson/Club Secretaries,
On behalf of Welling United Football Club, we feel privileged to be granted elite status as a club playing in the National League South and extremely grateful for the grants provided to date by the Government authorities, the Football Foundation and the National League to enable us to continue to play behind closed doors up to now.
After lobbying to become an elite club, it is our opinion that we need to act as such and respect with integrity the outcome of the current offer and with the utmost appreciation accept the loans being made available to help us finish this season with pride that we are part of an elite competition and so fortunate to be able to provide something positive to our local communities in this most difficult time.
It is our belief that to not finish the season now would be inexcusable having accepted the grants to date and the Government funds could have been provided to much greater causes in the event our season now becomes null and void.
We only hope that other clubs in our own National League South and those that share our privileged status in the National League and the National League North see fit to share our sentiments.
Whatever the outcome, we send our very best wishes to all our colleagues and supporters in football to be well and stay safe during this difficult period.
Mark
Goldberg
Chairman/Owner
Welling
United Football Club
It has been a difficult season for the Wings so far and new manager Steve Lovell is yet to take charge for a first team match as the two week suspension of the season was announced a couple of days after he was installed. He will be keen to get going but with no imminent sign of the Covid lockdown ending, games will again have to be played without spectators.
As things stand, Welling have twenty-nine games still to play in just three months. If the season is not extended any further postponements, whether through Covid issues or weather difficulties, it will be a real challenge to get the games in unless the season is extended.
Should the vote be in favour of re-starting, Welling expect to be back in action on Saturday 6th February with a local derby when visiting table toppers Dartford.
Image courtesy of Dave Budden