Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell ‘gutted’ for Richie Hamill as Wings trialist suffers injury blow

Richie Hamill’s bid to earn a deal at Welling United has suffered an injury setback.

Midfielder Hamill joined the Wings on trial this summer after leaving Sittingbourne.

But the 32-year-old, who played under Welling boss Ryan Maxwell at Sittingbourne, is out with a knee injury.

The plan is to help him regain fitness before any decisions are taken regarding his future.

“He got injured unfortunately,” said Maxwell. “He’s been injured for 10 days now.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury yet but we will look after him regardless, certainly until he gets fit, and reevaluate when he does.

“I’m gutted for him because he was giving it all he had.

“He’s seeing the physio for an update, but I think he’ll be out for a few more weeks.”

Ryan Kingsford scored twice, with John Ufuah also on target in a 3-1 friendly win at Isthmian South East new boys Punjab United on Friday night.

The following day, a team made up exclusively of trialists, including youngsters released from pro clubs, took the lead before losing 5-1 at Buckhurst Hill.

Both matches served a purpose for Maxwell, whose side host Billericay at Park View Road tonight (7.45pm) before completing pre-season at Folkestone on Saturday (3pm).

On the Punjab game, Maxwell said: “It was a very good test because it was on a difficult pitch with a slope, and I knew that was going to be the case. That’s why I took the game.

“We’ve had a few games on 3G and I felt it was important to get a grass one in and one that was going to be a physical test because I know Punjab very well, I know the owner, I know the players, I knew what we were going to get.

“They’ll do very well in the South East, I’m sure of that.

“They’re very direct, they’ve got the long throws, they go back to front,