Welling United boss Jody Brown rings the changes at the start of transfer window

The Wings travel to Adrian Pennock’s Forest Green Rovers on Sunday sitting in the bottom six in the Vanarama Conference table with 33 points from 29 games.

They are ten points clear of their Kent rivals Dartford, who occupy the highest relegation place, although Tony Burman’s side have two games in hand.

Firstly, Welling confirmed that they have signed former Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers forward Rowan Vine.

Vine, 32, joins the Wings having been a free agent since his departure from Scottish outfit Greenock Morton.

The six-foot tall striker once moved to Birmingham City for £2.5million. He has also had spells at the likes of Luton Town, Milton Keynes Dons and Gillingham, having started his career as a trainee with Portsmouth.

Brown told www.wellingunited.com:  “I think the experience he adds to our young squad is invaluable.

“He also has that cutting edge around the final third that we have missed in my short time here so far.”

But Vine needs international clearance before he can start his Wings career.

Brown’s second signing was midfielder Josh Carmichael.

Carmichael joins on loan from AFC Bournemouth, who the Wings continue to have a good relationship with under Brown.

The 20-year-old midfielder played in The FA Trophy Final for Gosport Borough last season and brings plenty of energy to the squad.

“I’d like to thank Bournemouth for making this happen,” said the former Grays Athletic boss.

“As a result of signing Josh and with Aristide Bassele still part of our plans, keeper Benji Buchel has had to return to Bournemouth as we can only sign two players on loan from one club.”

A club statement added: “We’d like to thank Benji for his contribution at Park View Road and wish him every success in the future.”

Goalkeeper Jonathan Henly has extended his stay with the Wings, after a new agreement was made with Reading.

Assistant boss Glen Little has also signed Conference forms for Welling.

Brown said: “Glen will be used sparingly but there are moments in games where his ability on the ball could prove pivotal.

“He’s played around 1,500 minutes of football this season and although it was at a lower level, he was often the best player on the pitch.”

Welling have completed the signings of Reece Harris and Joseph Zerafa.

Harris joins the Wings from East Thurrock United, for whom he has impressed in midfield at the Ryman Premier League club this season.

Maltese international Zerafa played under Welling boss Jody Brown at Grays and comes having previously played in both Champions League and Europa League qualifiers after a successful career in Malta.

Brown said: “I’m pleased to bring Joe to Welling, he came to Grays while he was looking for something higher.

“He’s a full international and has accustomed himself to English football over recent months.”

Right-back Harry Osborne has joined on-loan from Championship neighbours Charlton Athletic.

With Barney Williams sidelined after injury against Torquay United last month and Loui Fazakerley still returning from a long-term lay-off, Osborne will help solve a defensive problem.

Brown said: “With Barney and Faz both sidelines for at least a few weeks, Harry is great cover for us.

“I’ve seen him playing under-21 football and I think this is a great opportunity for him to develop even further.

“I’m pleased to get him and he gives us balance.”

Meanwhile, Dartford will have a new player in their squad for Sunday’s home game against Kidderminster Harriers.

Nathan Green, 23, arrives at Princes Park on a free transfer from League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge.

The six foot two, left-sided midfielder/defender, has previously played for Lewes and Bromley and played for Tonbridge Angels in the Conference South last season, before signing for Wayne Burnett’s Daggers.

Tony Burman told www.dartfordfconline.com: “I’d like to welcome Nathan to the club on a permanent basis and he will go straight into the squad for Sunday’s game against Kidderminster Harriers.

“With the transfer window opening, I have made a number of approaches for players to strengthen the team; some will be loan deals and I’m hoping that others will be permanent deals like Nathan’s.”