Non League local derbies often have intriguing sub plots and Saturday’s game between Welling United and Ebbsfleet United does not disappoint on that front.

Wings’ manager Mark Goldberg has strengthened his management team by recruiting Jamie Day as Head Coach.

The new arrangement has got off to a positive start with a win and a draw from two away games. However, the intrigue starts now.

When Day left his management job at Welling to take over at Ebbsfleet nearly two years ago, his first game in charge was an F.A. Trophy replay between the two teams at Park View Road.

Now his first home game in his new role is a Vanarama National League South game between the same two teams..

Day tried to play down the importance. “It’s just another game. I’m looking forward to it but it’s not about me, it’s about the boys. As long as they turn up on Saturday and put in a good performance, that’s what it’s all about whether we win, lose or draw. You know I’d like to win but as long as they perform, that’s all we can ask for.”

He then went on to speak about his working relationship with manager, Mark Goldberg. “It’s been good. All the staff have been really good. We’ve gelled together. We have a plan of what we want to do and where we want to go in the next three months and where we hopefully could be. That’s what we’re working towards.

“I think we’ve got good enough players to do that, it’s just about grinding out results and being hard to beat and knowing how to win games.

“At the minute, Mark has the say on who comes and goes. I’ll give my opinion and advice on what I think but Mark’s in charge of picking the team. I’ll do the training with Harry and I’ll try to influence who I think should play but at the end of the day it comes down to Mark, he picks the team.”

Right back Matt Fish also has a vested interest as he started the season at Ebbsfleet before joining Welling a few weeks ago. “I’m excited to see the boys. I still speak to a couple of them but I’ll just play my game, enjoy it and we’ll see what happens.”

There are players at Ebbsfleet who have represented both clubs too. Danny Kedwell played for the same Welling team as Day under Adrian Pennock before they both moved on to Grays Athletic. Charlie Sheringham also played one season for the Wings when Andy Ford was manager.

Although the season is only sixteen matches long, the Fleet have already racked up twenty points more than Welling. Saturday’s hosts have won just one home league game whilst the visitors have won three on their travels.

Daryl McMahon, Ebbsfleet’s manager, is experienced enough not to take anything for granted however, as derby games do not always go to form.

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.