Welling manager Andy Ford has conceded the decision to release defender Chris Moore was among the hardest of his managerial career.

Fans' favourite Moore was released last week as Ford re-shaped his squad ahead of the new Blue Square South season.

The Wings boss admitted that it was a tough call to make as Moore played a major role in bringing him to the club.

"It was one of the hardest decisions in my managerial career," said Ford. "He was influential in bringing me to Welling and I feel like I've stabbed him in the back.

"But I have to make those decisions now and I've done what I felt was best for the club.

"We're trying to play more from the back this year and that isn't one of Chris's strengths. In my eyes it was the right decision to make."

Ford hopes to complete the signing of a defender on Tuesday night as Welling continue their pre-season campaign at AFC Hornchurch while defender Tony Sinclair has now put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

Midfielder Ryan Johnson forced his way into Ford's plans with a goal in Monday night's 3-1 win at Erith Town.

The Wings boss has also not closed the door on Sonny Cobbs, despite the midfielder playing a trial game for Salisbury's reserves last weekend - a final decision is now expected to be made this week.

Defender Joe Howe and midfielder Daniel Nwanze have both been released.