Andy Pugh

Striker could sign for Blue Square Bet Premier side in coming days

Welling United player-manager Jamie Day believes Andy Pughs proposed move to Cambridge United could still go through despite the deal being put on ice due to a knee injury.

As exclusively revealed in last weeks edition of the Bexley Times, the 16-goal striker was expected to complete a five-figure move to the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit subject to a successful medical.

However, a knee problem prevented Pugh, 22, from being put through his paces and so he remains with Welling, who issued a statement saying they were still open to offers for this seasons top scorer.

But the clubs player-boss still anticipates that Pugh's switch to Cambridge should happen as soon as the player returns to full fitness.

Day said: "Andy got a knock on his knee and Cambridge wanted to put him through a demanding fitness test that he wasnt able to complete because of the injury.

"Cambridge are still fully interested in him so Im still confident the deal can go through once Andy's knee problem clears up.

"Andy is not fit at the moment and is probably a week to 10 days away from being ready."

Welling moved swiftly to prepare for life after Pugh when they recruited former Bromley striker Warren McBean, who signed for Margate as recently as 
December, on non-contract terms.

The Wings insist that the move stands despite the delay over Pugh's departure.

Day said: "Warren has a proven goalscoring record at this level.

"He's had a few clubs recently but we'll be working hard with him to make sure his head is right. He's probably not fully fit at the moment but hopefully hell be up to speed very quickly."

Welling romped to a 5-1 home win against Truro City on Saturday despite being denied the services of Pugh and Loick Pires.

The latter is a doubt for Saturdays trip to Weston-Super-Mare because of a knee problem.

Day said: "There is some swelling on the knee and weve organised some scans as a precautionary measure and well look at the results.

"He could be fit for the weekend but he may not be."

Loan goalkeeper Nick Pope is set to return to the side on Saturday following his brief recall by Charlton Athletic last weekend.

With John Whitehouse still not fully fit, Simon Brown was recruited to play against Truro and Day said: "Popey is back for the weekend.

"His loan expires on January 26 and well start to look at that next week to see if that can be extended.

"We'd like to thank Simon for doing us a favour against Truro."