Coronavirus Kent: National League right to carry on playing says Welling United manager Bradley Quinton

By: Matthew Panting mpanting@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 06:00, 16 March 2020

Welling United manager Bradley Quinton says it was right that they carried on playing at the weekend.

The Wings beat Billericay Town 2-0 in National League South, watched by a bumper crowd of 925 at Park View Road.

Welling's Bradley Goldberg is fouled by Billericay defender Michael Chambers. Picture: Dave Budden (31656989)

The Premier League, Football League and Isthmian League have all suspended matches over coronavirus fears.

But Quinton said: “I think we were right to play. We asked the players and we asked the staff.

“What can you do? We all work, we travel on the train and you don’t know who’s got it. You have to be healthy and look after yourself and your family, and follow the guidelines.

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“You know if you have the symptoms and then be honest, don’t cover anything up and try to be a brave person by going to work.

“You have to control it. Whether it’s right to stop football or right to keep playing, no-one knows.”

Welling were without Howard Joseph and Daniel Boateng against Billericay as both players were told by their employers to stay away.

“Some of them coach kids as a living, PE teachers at schools so they have to follow guidelines,” added Quinton.

“Some people were worried about it because of their day job. They’ve been honest with me and we understand. There’s nothing that they’ve had individually.

“We said stay at home and do what you need to do, and listen to what your employers are telling you to do.”

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While Football League clubs have stopped playing, including youth and academy matches, Welling still expect to have their loan players available if the National League keep playing.

“Peterborough got asked to isolate the players and keep them away from travelling and not going in to be coached by Peterborough,” he added.

“Colchester are doing the same thing, (but) they are allowed to go out and play.

“We’ve got them to the end of the season.”

Welling are due to visit fourth-placed Bath next weekend. League chiefs may yet decide to suspend matches and Quinton added: “Whatever happens, we’ll go with whatever the league say.”