WELLING fans have raised the £60,000 required to pay the taxman by pledging loans to save the Conference South club.

The Wings faced being wound up tomorrow had they not met the debt with HMRC but supporters came to the rescue by pledging the money required to ensure the Park View Road outfit can survive.

And now companies are being given the chance to sponsor the club for the remainder of the season by buying tickets for a prize draw.

A total of 240 tickets will be entered into the hat, each costing £50, and the draw will take place at the home game with Bromley on December 28.

The new sponsored kits will be worn in the New Year’s Day clash with Dartford.

Wings owner Barrie Hobbins said: “Welling have been operating without a main sponsor this season as the recession has meant businesses have been reluctant to part with the five figure sum which would normally be expected to secure the main sponsor package.

“We’re excited about offering the opportunity to fans and local businesses to become the club’s main sponsor and can’t wait to see whose name is pulled out of the hat and what logo or message they’ll want us to print on the shirts.”

He added: “We’ve had fans who’ve said they’d just like to see ‘I love chips’ written on the shirts. “We’ve also had a dance studio buy a ticket.

“They have a pink logo, so that will be interesting for the team come match day.”

As a thank you for taking part in the draw, the club will publish details of all of the businesses that have purchased a ticket in the programme for the Bromley fixture.

The draw ticket will also entitle the holder to complimentary entry to a reserved seat for themselves and a guest in a designated area in the main stand for the match in order that they can witness the announcement of the winner.

Mr Hobbins added: “The new sponsor will be given space on the club’s website and will receive four tickets for each match and of course, as the sponsor, they will have the use of the executive lounge.”

For more information, or to buy a ticket, email marketing@wellingunited.com or call 020 8301 1196.

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