Wings chief targets fresh faces

2:56pm Friday 16th May 2008

ANDY Ford says he is looking to sign up to 10 players for Welling United during the close season.

The Wings boss has already begun his search for fresh blood and has held preliminary talks with around 20 potential recruits.

Nothing concrete has come of the conversations yet, but the manager says he expects to do the majority of his dealings later in the summer.

He explained: "I've spoken to around 20 players but nothing has come of it yet.

"This isn't unusual by any means because some of them have gone away to think about it and others are now on holiday.

"There will be signings throughout the summer but it isn't until pre-season begins when I can get to see trialists in action for myself before most of the decisions will be made.

"Ideally I am looking to have an 18-man squad for next season which will mean bringing in between eight and 10 new players."

Ford also denied internet rumours his former Gravesend & Northfleet player Jay Saunders had already penned a deal at Park View Road.

"I'm not sure where that came from but it is wide of the mark because Jay has already signed a deal with Maidstone," he added.

The Wings squad will return for pre-season training in late June ahead of their glamour annual friendly against Charlton on July 9.

Two Welling sides will travel to Thamesmead Town and Sittingbourne on July 17.

A trip to Essex to face of AFC Hornchurch on July 22 is next followed by a home encounter with Maidstone United at 3pm on July 26.

Welling travel to Ashford Town (Kent) on July 29 before facing Dover on August 2.

A venue for the final game has yet to be confirmed, but Wings secretary Barrie Hobbins told News Shopper he will be speaking to Dover this afternoon to discuss who will be at home and hopes to have an answer then.

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