Ford looking for more Knight's in shining armour

Thursday 04th June 2009

WELLING UNITED boss Andy Ford has revealed that he’s in talks with a striker tonight - but warns potential players that he hasn’t got the cash to splash, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Wings boss needs to bring in a striker to replace last season’s leading goalscorer Charlie Sheringham, who opted to move to Blue Square South rivals Bishop’s Stortford, after just one successful season at Park View Road.

But the club have unveiled the signing of versatile defender Spencer Knight, 31, from rivals Chelmsford City, although former Beckenham Town defender Tony Sinclair has signed for Woking, who will be playing against the Wings next season following their relegation from the Blue Square Premier.

Speaking about Knight, Ford, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk ahead of his striker showdown talks, said: "He’s a left-back, come left-sided midfield player so I’m pleased to get him involved."

"That’s my left back sorted out, I’m just meeting a player now, tonight, another one, so things are beginning to move."

As expected, Ford was keeping tight-lipped over the striker that he was meeting later, but said that his transfer target "scores goals."

But he added: "I'm talking to quite a few players so it's gradually taking shape, but it won't be there probably until the first game of the season or maybe even later on than that.

"But it may take a longer time, but I'm happy with the way things are going at the moment."

Like many Kent club's, Ford's playing budget has been slashed next season - and he admits to being priced out for players that played for either Ebbsfleet United (Blue Square Premier) and Tonbridge Angels (Ryman Premier League) last season.

"We haven't got any money to buy any players," he revealed. "I haven't seen any few players coming out of Tonbridge (that I can afford to sign) and Ebbsfleet players are getting full-time football still elsewhere.

"Stacy Long has gone to Stevenage, I've heard Mark Ricketts has gone to Woking, there's a few, George Purcell has gone to Braintree Town.

"It's (our budget) been cut so we have to get on with it really. Some Ebbsfleet players have gone to other clubs so we'll just have to keep looking and see what's available.

"I'm sure there will be players available later on."

Meanwhile, tickets for Welling United's opening curtain raiser against Charlton Athletic, which takes place at Park View Road on Wednesday, 8th July (7:45pm) go on sale from next Monday (8th June).

Tickets are available for purchase by visiting Welling United's Park View Road ground. The club will be open Monday-Friday 9:30am until 5pm and on Saturday between 10am until 12 noon.

Ticket prices have been confirmed at £10 (adults), £6 (seniors and under 16s) £2 extra for seating.

For further information please contact the club on 0208 301 1196 - please mention that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

Visit Welling United's website: www.wellingunited.co.uk