By Matthew Panting

Welling have angrily denied reports that they turned down a bid for striker Andy Pugh from League 1 Hartlepool United.

Former Gillingham striker Pugh (pictured) has 17 goals to his name this season, but the Wings insisted that no bid has been made.

General manager Barry Hobbins said: "We haven't received a serious bid for Andy Pugh from any club.

"We had an email from someone claiming to be from Hartlepool United asking to take him on trial for a few days which we refused.

"I'm disappointed that this has now been made out to be us rejecting a bid for him."

Pugh, who did go on trial with League 1 Leyton Orient last month, has attracted plenty of interest this season but he remains happy at Park View Road - and has been kept in touch of developments.

"He won't be going out on trial again to anyone," said Mr Hobbins. "People can judge him on what he has done for us and if we keep him then hopefully he will continue to score goals for us.

"Andy has been kept fully inform of the situation throughout the season and is happy to be at Welling United."