Welling United deducted five points over financial irregularities
By Matthew Panting
Welling have been deducted five points by the Football
Conference after appearing at a misconduct hearing on
Thursday.
The Wings were in the dock after providing inaccurate
financial returns to the league in connection to the outstanding
HMRC debt. As a result they were also handed a suspended fine of
£5,000.
Commenting on the admitted misconduct charge and the
points deduction, Welling joint-owner Barrie Hobbins
(pictured) said: "The club admitted that as a result of
placing reliance on promised investment throughout the 2009/2010
season, and again during pre-season for this campaign, it
not only fell behind on its HMRC liabilities but submitted
inaccurate financial returns to the Football Conference.
"As soon as it became evident that the promised investment
would not materialise, we made the Football Conference fully
aware of the position and admitted the charges that were laid
against us. We are sorry that we got ourselves into this position,
despite our best intentions at all times.
"As to whether the deduction of five points is a
proportionate and reasonable sanction in the circumstances,
we will need to reflect and take advice from our
lawyers.
"We have been advised as to our right of appeal and the
relevant timings of that. We are obviously hugely disappointed to
receive a points deduction of any number, but need a period of
reflection."
The Conference have, however, allowed the Wings to
re-register Loick Pires and Lee Clarke and they have released
the £8.000 solidarity money to help the Wings pay the HMRC petition
debt.
Mr Hobbins added: "The financial plight of the club is
assisted by the reduction in the petition debt and we must now all
focus our efforts on ensuring we are in a position to secure the
club's survival before December 1, 2010.
"Once again, we would like to thank the fabulous
efforts of our supporters, players and all connected to the
club during this difficult period."
16/09/10
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