Ford disappointed by Sheringham exit (From News Shopper)

Ford disappointed by Sheringham exit

11:11am Thursday 14th May 2009 in Sport By Paul Green

ANDY FORD says he is “disappointed” by Charlie Sheringham’s decision to sign for Bishop’s Stortford.

The prolific striker finished as top scorer in his one season at Welling but decided yesterday to sign for the club’s Blue Square South rivals despite being given the opportunity to stay at Park View Road.

Manager Ford moved immediately by drafting in Lee Clarke from St Albans City, but he admitted Sheringham’s departure had come as a shock.

The Wings chief said: “I am disappointed, although we will get a fee for Charlie because he is under 24.

“I don’t really know the ins and outs of it but it does seem like Bishop’s Stortford have got a bit of money at the moment because they’ve been linked with a couple of players I’ve been after.

“Charlie lives near there but he needs to be a bit careful because he has had quite a few clubs in recent years.

“However, I wish him all the best and thank him for what he did here.

“He has gone now and there is no point me sitting here crying about it.”

And Ford certainly didn’t hang about by signing up Clarke even though the boss concedes his arrival does have risks.

He explained: “He is a quality goal scorer with a proven record.

“Lee had injury problems this year and it is a bit of a gamble on my part taking him on, but the fact is he scored 25 goals in each of the two seasons prior to the last one.

“I’m looking to get 25 goals out of him for Welling.

“Lee has just moved to Canterbury with his girlfriend and was looking for a club closer to his new home, so he was more than happy to join us.

“Even if Charlie had stayed, I still would have signed Lee anyway because I need four strikers.”

Last week News Shopper revealed Welling’s interest in Danny Hockton and the player was released by Braintree last Friday.

Ford indicated then any potential move would be dependent on Hockton reducing his wage demands and it appears now the gap between what he wants and what Welling are prepared to offer remains too big.

The manager said: “I have spoken to Danny and he still doesn’t fit in with our wage structure at the moment.

“I would love to have him here but I don’t anticipate it will be happening now.”

Meanwhile, the manager has told Loui Fazackerley to make his mind up quickly if he wants to stay at the club after the player was linked with a move to Bishop’s Stortford.

Ford added: “I spoke to Loui last week and I do want to keep him.

“He has got until this weekend to make his mind up because I need to know one way or the other if he is staying.”

Ford’s former assistant Jimmy Dack agreed to join Woking earlier this week and the manager wished his former colleague well in his new role.

He said: “Of course I am disappointed to see Jimmy go because we had a very good relationship and he was fun to work with.

“I fully understand his reasons though because it is closer to home, the job is full-time and they offered him more money. It is a bit of a no brainer in all honesty.

“We had a similar situation last year when Phil Handford left and Jimmy’s reasons are just as understandable as Phil’s were then.”

Lee Protheroe has succeeded Dack as assistant manager, although his will be a player-coach role, and Ford was happy to explain his choice.

He said: “Lee is just coming towards the end of his playing career at this level and he knows an awful lot of people within the game who he has played with in the last 10 years.

“Those contacts are going to be really useful and Lee is a great motivator as well.

“The players like and respect him. Sometimes it is a good thing to have someone in the dressing room who is nearer the same age as the players because he can possibly communicate with them a bit better.

“Finances are tight and I’ve got to be ducking and diving all of the time.

“People sometimes don’t realise that but I’ve just got to get on with it.”