Mark Goldberg is pleased with how his new-look Welling United squad is shaping up ahead of the club’s first pre-season friendly.

Following a dire campaign and relegation from the National League last season, a host of players have left Park View Road this summer.

Goldberg has been forced to rebuild an almost completely new squad and signed Bermuda international Jonte Smith, ex-Bromley star Pierre Joseph-Dubois and several other players last month.

Despite admitting it takes time for new players to gel, Goldberg insists he is happy with the ability and spirit shown by his team.

And the manager hopes Welling can produce a “competitive and entertaining” friendly against League One side Charlton tomorrow (July 9).

Goldberg said: “We’ve been preparing well and I’ve been impressed with the core squad so far, in terms of ability, fitness, attitude and starting to develop a bit of spirit around the camp.

“We only have a few players other than a couple of youngsters who were here last season so it’s naturally going to take a while for the squad to gel.

“But that’s what pre-season is about and I’m happy with how it’s gone so far and I’m pleased with the attitude the group are showing.

“We are really looking forward to the friendly on Saturday and we hope that we will be in a position to have a competitive, entertaining game with Charlton.”

Goldberg, who left Bromley last season, added: “We want it to be a useful exercise for both sets of clubs and for the day to be enjoyable for both sets of fans.

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“All I can ask for from my team is that it’s competitive and a worthwhile exercise.

“It’s a great opportunity to see how this group can compete and to learn a lot of lessons ahead of the season.”

As well as a transformation on the field, Welling United have worked hard this summer to refurbish the Wings Bar and Executive Lounge.

Goldberg hopes the new facilities will help generate revenue on match-days.

In an open letter to Executive Lounge members, he said: “We appreciate your support over the years and are pleased to say that the Wings Bar and Lounge has been given a major refurbishment ahead of the new season.

“We hope that you enjoy the new facilities but I am sure that you can appreciate at the same time that those facilities need to be shared with the general public.

“We need to maximise the opportunity to generate much-needed revenue for the club on match-days.”

For the full statement click here.

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