Welling United splash out to meet Conference Premier ground grading

WELLING UNITED have confirmed that they will meet the ground grading criteria for the Conference Premier ahead of the March deadline.

The Wings won the Skrill (Conference) South league title last season and returned to the top flight of non-league football following a thirteen year absence.

Jamie Day has guided the club to a respectable thirteenth-place in the Conference Premier table with 42 points from 30 games, 15 points clear of the relegation zone.

The club’s operations directory Barry Hobbins ensured the club will meet the necessary requirements to maintain their current league status, with ground improvements to be made at Park View Road.

“With regards to the necessary ground improvements to ensure that we meet the grading criteria as required to reach the FA Category A by the deadline date, works are set to be undertaken during the current month,” Mr Hobbins told www.wellingunited.com.  

“The floodlights are due to be upgraded within the next two weeks, work on the new two turnstiles at the main road of the ground is due for commencement with the area prepared.

“Additional terracing and crash barriers consultations with contractors have been on going, we anticipate this work to be taking place shortly.

“Plans are also in hand to install additional toilet block towards the top end of the ground behind the main stand.

“There is a small degree of interior works to be carried out to the dressing room/toilet/first aid room and this will also be started within the next couple of weeks.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during the time the work is taking place.”

Meanwhile, on the pitch, defender Joe Obersteller has signed for Conference South side Whitehawk.

The Brighton-based side have also signed Welling striker Loick Pires on a month’s loan and forward Keirnan Hughes-Mason has also gone out on loan, to Hawks’ league rivals, Hayes & Yeading United.

Meanwhile, Welling United fans have criticised BT Sport’s non-existent live-match coverage of the club.

“Are we ever going to get on BT Sport?,” asked one furious fan on their fans’ forum.

“The money should be split evenly between all 24 teams at the start of the season and every team should be shown at least once.”

The Wings are schedule to play Gateshead at Park View Road on Saturday (3pm) in the Skrill Premier.

A pitch inspection will take place at 10:00 on Friday morning.

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