Fears of relegation from the Isthmian League Premier Division for Welling United were all but dispelled with a tight win over already demoted Potters Bar Town. After the match, Welling manager Ryan Maxwell gave his views.

“It’s more relief than joy right now.” He admitted. “What a tough task this has been. I’ve been in a lot of different managerial relegation battles in four different divisions with various budgets and surfaces, what have you, but this was by far the toughest. It’s been a real, real, real slog, certainly the longest I’ve ever had relegation battle.

“It was a big, big deficit when I came in and it was going to be long, I accepted that. Sometimes, when we thought we’d get out of it quicker than we would, then not get a result next week, you had to show a real mental strength which I don’t think the players get enough credit for.”

After the game he had a good chat with the players. “We’ve just had a heart to heart in there, particularly Lekan (Majoyegbe) and John (Ufuah).” he confirmed. “They were here in the beginning and they deserve incredible plaudits to show the strength they have, and to have improved as players the way they have as well. They’ve really been in the mire longer than anybody but the rest of the players have been in the mire for five months, some of them, so it’s been tough, but it’s been worth it.”

In Maxwell’s opinion, it takes a certain type of player for a relegation dogfight. He said “It’s not for the faint hearted. A very good player who can play at the top end of the league cannot do what we’ve done. You have to pick and choose, get the right character and that doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. I said it on Saturday but the players need to take unbelievable credit. They’ve been phenomenal for me and Billy (McMahon).”

Prior to the most recent matches, Welling had only kept two league blanks all season. Maxwell purred “Back to back clean sheets. We’re getting better all the time. It’s a shame this wasn’t the beginning of the season. I’m delighted with back to back clean sheets, and both at hone as well.

“We defended like heroic Trojans out there today. Some last ditch defending, and we had to because we were under pressure to do so. The boys have got incredible desire, incredible fight, and as a team collectively, that can get you anywhere.”

Sam Smith was one of several players to play despite not being fit. “He’s got a bad knee.” said Maxwell. “I can’t tell you what a risk he took to play both Saturday and tonight. He didn’t train last week and he came off against Brentwood. He showed what it’s all about. What you have to do, in these circumstances, is sacrifice. You have to sacrifice yourself. You have to sacrifice your body for the greater good. What an example that is of that.”

What made it even more special is that Smith is on loan so Welling isn’t his club. A beaming Maxwell continued. “It says it all about the man. He’s committed to his team mates. He’s committed to the cause. It shows you how well he’s been brought up to have that character. His parents need to get a lot of credit for that, Sam has been fantastic for us and I think even playing half fit, he’s still done well.”

In the second half, Potters Bar had a lot of possession and the Welling supporters got a bit nervous. Maxwell wasn’t surprised. “It was an enormous game.” he said. “One of the biggest games here for years. I get that and it probably did filter onto the pitch. The support was great. I appreciate the fans and I’m very approachable. I’m here to do the best that I can for their club and while I’m here I’ll give it all I’ve got.”

On Saturday, Welling will be away at Cray Wanderers and Maxwell expects a huge turnout of Wings’ followers. He said “The away support is fantastic. It’s right up there with the very best in the league. They travel to the likes of Lewes and Whitehawk in their numbers and we get a fantastic buzz off that. We know how far their coming and we greatly appreciate it.

“I hope they feel appreciated because I really do appreciate them and a big, big thank you to them because that’s a big sacrifice in itself. Real true supporters going home and away, it’s hard, financially tough. We understand that and we greatly appreciate it.”

Next season, Maxwell hopes that Welling are more successful than this campaign, and that it will lead to bigger home attendances. “Football’s a cycle.” he said. “It’s a product, a business, and people want to see a good product, a winning product. That’s what attracts more people to come and see it. I understand that’s how it works, I understand business and I’m aware of the importance of putting results together and that brings more revenue into the club. I think (owner) Howard (Prosser) knows that I’m aware of that.” He laughed “It’s probably one of the reasons why I am the manager!!”

Images courtesy of Chris Zimmerman