Ford pondering Hockton swoop (From News Shopper)

Ford pondering Hockton swoop

4:35pm Wednesday 6th May 2009 in Sport By Paul Green

WELLING boss Andy Ford admits he would be interested in bringing striker Danny Hockton to Park View Road if the player was prepared to fit in with the club’s wage structure.

Ford has been an admirer of the former Bromley striker for some time and with Hockton seemingly on the way out at Braintree, the Wings chief conceded he may be tempted to lure him to Welling – but only on the right terms.

He explained: “Danny is a proven goal scorer but his wage demands in the past have been quite high.

“If he could come into our budget then I would certainly pursue it.

“He lives locally and I will have a conversation with him and take it from there.”

Ford announced late last week Rob Quinn, Lee Blackburn, Matthew McEntegart, Dorian Smith and Orlando Smith will not be offered deals next season.

The manager was reluctant to discuss individual cases but was happy to thank each of the five for their contributions to the Welling cause.

He said: “I didn’t think they would be getting many games for us next year.

“I’m hoping to improve in those positions, although all of those players did well for us last season and I’m pleased with what they’ve done.

“James Baker and Sonny Cobbs will have the opportunity to come back for pre-season if they wish.

“I’m not sure whether they will take us up on it because realistically they are free agents and will be trying to sort out deals somewhere else.

“However, things can change quite quickly in the summer and some of the players I have offered deals to might not take them.”

The only individual to commit for the forthcoming campaign so far is Jack Parkinson, although Ford reassured Wings fans there was nothing alarming about this.

“I’ve been on holiday in Portugal and only got back yesterday,” he added.