When bigger clubs come after our players it is difficult to turn them down, says Jamie Day

WELLING UNITED have confirmed that England C defender Anthony Acheamopng left the club yesterday to join their Conference Premier rivals Barnet.



Acheampong, 23, was an integral part of the Conference South title-winning squad, making 44 appearances and scoring seven goals for Welling United last season.

The Wings maintained 17 clean sheets in the league last season, but the Wings will be without central defensive pair Acheampong and Ben Martin, who has signed for Southern Premier League side St Albans City.

Welling United manager Jamie Day told www.pitchero.com/clubs/wellingutd: “I’m disappointed to lose him as I think he has done well for us in the last three years.

"But at the same time, given the size of the club that we are and the wages we pay, when bigger clubs come after our players it is difficult to turn them down.

"I've spoken to Anthony at length over the past four or five weeks. We made him a good offer to stay but I understand why he has left and wish him well for the future."

Day confirmed that he has a number of potential targets that he is talking to with regard to boosting the current squad, although no timescale has been set on when deals will be completed.

Acheampong, who started his career with Cardiff City, joined the Wings from Horsham and under Day's management, he became a key member of the Wings defensive unit with his dominant performances bringing him to the attention of England C manager Paul Fairclough, who handed him his first cap against Bermuda earlier this month.

No fee has currently been agreed between the two clubs so the transfer fee, due because Acheampong is under 24 and had been offered a new deal at Welling, will be set by a tribunal.

Acheampong, who was named in the Blue Square Bet South Team of the Season for last season, has signed a two-year deal with Barnet, who were relegated from League Two at the end of last season and are managed by Dutch superstar Edgar Davids.

Acheampong told www.barnetfc.com : “I am very pleased to be here.  It is a big club with massive ambition so I am very happy to have joined.

“Barnet fans can expect somebody who gives their all for the club and although I am first and foremost a defender they can expect some goals along the way.”
Meanwhile, Wellling United open their pre-season campaign with the annual Park View Road curtain raiser against their Championship neighbours Charlton Athletic on Saturday 6 July (3pm).

Charlton Athletic’s development squad clinched the Kent Senior Cup last season, by beating Conference South side Tonbridge Angels 7-1 in the final at Longmead Stadium.

Visit Welling United’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/wellingutd