Ford: Things can only get better

Wednesday 16th September 2009

WELLING UNITED boss Andy Ford says matters will improve on the pitch once his first-choice players return to full fitness, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wings have played ten games and are presently in seventeenth place in the Blue Square South table; with a record of two wins and two draws.

Managers always say “judge my team after ten games” so www.kentishfootball.co.uk asked Ford today his thoughts on his side’s start to the new season.

“Not as well as planned,” came his reply. “I think injuries have played a big part in it, which has brought on too many changes really.

“Obviously we’re in the wrong half of the table, but I’m quite positive that things can only get better.”

Welling’s injury crisis is evident as Ford has started 25 different players in 10 league games so far this season - and that doesn’t include numerous other substitutes.

“We’ve got to put 16 players on a team sheet every week so if you’ve got nine out then you have to try and bring in the resources from somewhere to fill in the team sheet,” said Ford.

But there are good signs coming out of the treatment table at Park View Road.

“Jack (Parkinson) played in a reserve team game last night so that’s a positive,” revealed the Wings boss.

“He’s obviously behind with fitness so will probably be on the bench Saturday.”

“Loui Fazakerley, he needs games now really to be honest. He was on the bench on Saturday, but he wasn’t fit. It was just to make the numbers up, so hopefully he should be getting there.

“Andy Sambrook, Ryan Johnson and Graeme Andrews are progressing. I would anticipate them (to be fit) in the next couple of weeks as well, so that’s a positive.”

Having claimed a 2-1 win at Dorchester Town last weekend, Ford wants another win when Weston-super-Mare make the long trip from Somerset on Saturday.

“We’ve got to put a back-to-back win together and that’s important, otherwise last Saturday will not mean too much,” said Ford.

“We’ve got home advantage as well, so we need to put in a good performance, which we’re obviously all hoping for.”

The Wings, meanwhile, were handed a home FA Cup draw against East Thurrock United - a side that play two divisions lower.

Looking forward to the second qualifying round tie, against the Ryman League Division One North leaders, which takes place at Park View Road on 26th September, Ford needs his club to win to enable them to bank the £4,500 in prize money, much needed especially as the club are without a main sponsor.

“We’ve got a home draw, which is good. You can’t ask for anymore than that,” said Ford.

“The one thing is they’re top of their league and any team top of the league will be playing with confidence and some arrogance so I’m sure it won’t be so easy as everyone would think but one I expect to go through - a potential banana skim.

Speaking about the prize money up for grabs, Ford added, “Without sponsors, it’s a big thing for us.”

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

Welling United v Weston-Super-Mare

Blue Square South

Saturday 19th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Park View Road, Welling, Kent DA16 1SY