Following the drama of the last week, the spotlight won’t be shining quite as brightly on Welling United when they entertain Aldershot Town on Saturday.

However, there will still be interest in the managerial posts. Interviews have taken place throughout the week as the club owners looked to ensure they appointed the right person.

Jamie Turner and team captain Jake Gallagher (currently suspended from playing) took the helm for Welling on Saturday when they drew at Ebbsfleet United in the F.A. Trophy last week. They would also have taken the team for the replay on Tuesday had the game taken place. Unfortunately, electrical problems meant that the referee had no option other than to postpone the tie but they look likely to be in charge again on Saturday.

Good news for Welling came with the announcement that Aristide Bassele’s loan period has been extended for another month. He has been part of a front three, with Tyrone Marsh and Kieron St. Aimie, that have created havoc for opposing defences and helped Welling to overcome the departure of Harry Beautyman.

Other options will be available for the incoming manager as Charlie Penny has recovered  and will be keen to find the form he was showing before his injury.

It will be a hectic week for the Wings with the game on Saturday followed by the rearranged game with Ebbsfleet on Tuesday, a game at Dover on Boxing Day Thursday, then another home game, against Torquay United three days later.

That does mean that Gallagher and Joey Taylor will be able to serve their suspensions quickly.

Aldershot’s squad will include Dan Thomas, who previously had a loan spell at Welling from AFC Bournemouth. However, he is likely to be on the bench as Phil Smith appears to be the first choice goalkeeper at the Electrical Services Stadium. They are just one point ahead of the Wings at present, although they have played one game fewer.

Away from home they have won at Telford, Kidderminster and Southport. They have drawn four times on the road and lost five.

There will be cake and wine for all paying adults and the first fifty juniors will receive a selection box so Park View Road will be a good place to avoid the last Saturday before Christmas shoppers.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.