Melvin issues Johnson plea

Welton chief executive Melvin Clifford has reiterated his desire to bring Will Johnson back to Social Park.

The Mancunian hit-man made his name during a glorious stint at Dunholme Park earlier in his career, before moving to Sheffield in 2004 for around £2.4million.

Johnson has in the past hinted at a return to Welton after conceding he would like to 'finish his adventure' with the Lincoln outfit. Clifford has not given up hope of luring back the 23-year-old, whose form in his time at Welton U18s earned him recognition around the globe.

"We must talk to our supporters in adult language," Melvin told wsscfc.blogspot.com, while kicking back with a vodka and soda in the Social Club on Sunday afternoon.

"They know we do what we say, and vice-versa. To say to them, 'We are going to win the Sills & Betteridge Premier League’ or 'Johnson is going to return', I will not allow myself to do it - that would be showing them a lack of respect.

"On the other hand, to say to them, 'Like you, I really want Johnson to come back and if there is a possibility of doing it, I will do it', that I can guarantee them.

"Each time I see him, I say to him, 'Now Johno, get your bags together and come back here!"

'Melvin appreciates Welton cannot match the wages the striker earns in Manchester but believes there could be ways around it.

"Even if the possibility is thin, it still exists," Clifford added."When you look at the economic reality square in the face, it isn't reasonable for a village club."However, you can't exclude thinking of other scenarios, like the boy accepting a pay cut, efforts on our part..."