I'm quietly confident that everything will turn out all right, says Welling United owner

Thursday 19th August 2010
WELLING UNITED are confident the club will survive a winding up petition from HM Revenue and Customs. 


The Wings owe £85,000 to HMRC - so far they have raised £45,000 but the case is due to be heard on 25 August. 

Owner Barrie Hobbins told BBC Radio Kent: "I'm quietly optimistic that everything will turn out all right. 

"We've already settled half the debt in the last 10 days and I'm confident that we will get if not a dismissal of the petition, possibly an adjournment." 

He continued: "We have got experts working with the revenue to try to put a payment arrangement deal in place and meanwhile we will keep it business as normal.
"Confident is a very dangerous word to use, I was very confident we had a deal sorted out few weeks ago but that didn't transpire." 

"It's the first time Welling United has been in this situation - we've always been a club that's recognised as knowing what it's doing when it comes to this. 

"Fingers crossed, it will fall into place - we should know more this week and supporters have worked feverishly hard with the work they're doing and donations and fundraising. 

"I think we've gone a long way to satisfying the revenue demands. It's in the lap of the gods if it's enough." 

Player-manager Jamie Day has insisted he will remain upfront with his players about the club's financial situation and current transfer embargo. 

"I've always believed that honesty is the best policy and with the boys whatever I know I tell them," Day also told BBC Radio Kent.

"I think if I start hiding things then it's going to cause problems. They're men now and they'll make their own judgements about what they want to do.

"Wages have been OK and the budget will stay the same for the next month but it could change after that - the players have been made aware of that and they were free to go if they wanted to go. 

"In fairness to the lads that we've got they've all wanted to stay and I think it shows they want to play for the club and they're not just chasing the notes. 

"We've got three injuries so we're down to 15 but the lads have shown a togetherness and hopefully that'll get us through this patch." 

Article courtesy of BBC Radio Kent - www.bbc.co.uk/kent/sport 

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

Havant & Waterlooville  v  Welling United
Blue Square Bet South
Saturday 21st August 2010 
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Westleigh Park, Martin Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 5TH