It's important that we don't stand still off the pitch, says Welling United director Barry Hobbins

WELLING UNITED are pleased to announce that confirmation of the club’s Category A ground grading has been received.

The Wings spent nearly £50,000 on ground improvements in the second half of the season to ensure that the Park View Road club could maintain their Conference Premier status.

Operations director Barry Hobbins told the club’s website: “I’d like to thank all those that worked so hard to help the club improve facilities around Park View Road.

“The grading lasts for three years but it’s important that we don’t stand still off the pitch as there is still lots that we want to do.”

The improvements included two new turnstiles; a new toilet block; a total of 120 new seats in the main stand; press box extension; new additional terracing; new barriers; new toilets in the away dressing room and sinks added to toilets and first-aid room.

Welling United will be joined by Dover Athletic in the Conference Premier next season after Chris Kinnear’s side defeated Ebbsfleet United in the Conference South Play-Off Final yesterday.

Nathan Elder scored the only goal of the game to end Dover Athletic’s 12 year exile from the top flight of non-league football.

Meanwhile, Bromley’s inspirational skipper Rob Swaine, 26, has scooped both player-of-the-year awards at the club’s presentation night at Hayes Lane on Saturday night, saying "it's a season I''ll never forget!"
 
The former Billericay Town defender took almost 50% of the total vote for the supporters’ award, during the club's best ever Conference South campaign where they finished in third-place, but lost 4-1 on aggregate to Ebbsfleet United in the play-off semi-finals.
 
Swaine tweeted: “Huge thanks to the fans who voted me as player of the year.  Very humbled and thankful.  You’ve been amazing all season. We all appreciate it.

“Huge thanks to the Bromley FC committee for voting me their player of the year also.  Again very thankful, what a great bunch.

“Can’t forget to thank (club owner) Jerry Dolke too.  Wouldn’t have been possible without him.  Top man. It’s been a pleasure working with you this season. Bromley’s a club on the up.”

Meanwhile, Park View Road will stage the Hospitals Charity Cup Final on Friday 17 May (7:30pm).

Phoenix Sports Reserves will play the winner of Seven Acre & Sidcup and Sutton Athletic, who play their Semi-Final tie at Oxford Road, Sidcup on Tuesday (12 May) at 6:45pm.

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