The whole situation now just seems like a circus, can you imagine if we move out and play at Tonbridge and E&B are still playing at PVR? It's laughable.
I seriously worry for the future of Welling United.
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Welling United FC. Banging on the walls of Woking dressing rooms since 1963..
I think the 2 years development plan is ambitious. But that was from spades in the ground, we don't even have planning permission yet. Then you need all the other surveys and contractor tendering and material sourcing. That process in itself could take 2/3 years. So we could be away from PVR for 4/5/6 years.
We would be better to stay at PVR until the builders are ready to move in.
I have spoken to many hard-core supporters and I don't think Tonbridge is viable even for a single season. I'd rather we went down to the SECFL if necessary and stay at PVR and stay local whilst it's developed.
I have looked through the latest plans for the development which is now on the Bexley Council website and its not bad. But not worth leaving PVR for 4/5 years for as I don't believe there will be a club still functioning to move back. Unless the developers are also going to fund the clubs wages as well as the ground hire.
A Football Club statement would be welcome.
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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh When the Wingssssss
I read Polo's post and had to stop myself writing an impulsive post I would regret.
But the Erith statement puts me in a Johnny Hartley no holds barred mood, which I have resisted ever since my account change, but fk it, that Erith statement is an insult to the intelligence.
First of all, some may possibly see Erith are like cuckoos, absolutely exploiting us, taking a lot and giving remarkably little back. Causes of complaint against them I have observed that they do include not putting the lights on in their toilets or providing toilet paper, as cost cutting measures, that just make coming to watch Welling games an embarrassment, as I often have heard visiting fans understandably complain. So that hypocritical statement about the benefits of them playing at the ground is worth putting here in full (well, this is a retro Johnny Hartley esque post after all!) in case some dont read it on the above link, and one needs to read it to understand their duplicity.
They have also opened their bar on our match days to divert funds from Welling to Erith,
leave their gates open so fans come into our games without buying a ticket,
have their catering to divert from our catering.
They demonstrably have drained Welling finances in these ways. Yet they claim it is beneficial for Welling to have them here. Despite their shameless and uncollaborative actions being a health and safety risk that put Welling's future at risk.
Some people may conceivably look at all this and ENTIRELY MISTAKENLY think that they have sold their ground, pocketed that money, avoided building their own ground, rent with us on the cheap, and are dragging their heels on the redevelopment in a shake down of us to get us to buy them out of the 26 years remaining lease. These misguided people may then even believe it is clear Erith will not agree to the development next season, or after that. So the only way they would is if they were paid off. Or barge into the development plans so they become partners in it. I have my personal views, but of course, will keep these private.
"Club Statement from our Co Chair Person Paul Springett regarding the clubs future in Welling
We are pleased to confirm that Erith & Belvedere FC will unequivocally be playing the entirety of the 2024/25 season at Park View Road, and our commitment extends well into the future. Contrary to any circulating rumors, we assert with confidence that our home remains at Park View Road. With 26 years remaining on our lease, we are not only rooted in our current location but also eagerly anticipate the opportunities and growth that lie ahead within this esteemed venue. Our resolve to continue thriving at Park View Road is unwavering, and we look forward to the continued support of our fans and community as we embark on this journey together.
Furthermore, we reaffirm our desire to continue building a mutually beneficial future alongside Welling United FC.
Both clubs boast proud histories, and we are enthusiastic about the prospect of further collaboration. Park View Road stands as more than just a stadium; it is a fantastic historical venue with rich traditions that we are honored to be a part of. Our shared commitment to preserving and enhancing this legacy is unwavering, and we look forward to the continued support of our fans and community as we embark on this journey together."
