WELLING player-manager Neil Smith has warned the current squad that he will not break his budget to keep them at the club.

Smith's comments follow confirmation that defender Ben Lewis has signed for big-spending Maidstone United after the Wings boss failed to start a bidding war.

With keeper Jamie Turner also attracting interest from Tonbridge and Maidstone, Smith has wasted no time in telling his players where he stands.

Smith said: "Maidstone offered Ben a substantial pay packet. I was surprised that he was stepping down a level.

"I'm not going to be held to ransom. I don't want players coming to Welling for the money - I want them to show passion for the club. If I offer someone a deal then it is the best I can do and there will be no room for more."

Lewis' departure was offset by the news that Leon Solomon is close to agreeing a new deal.

Fellow defenders Chris Moore and Steve Perkins have also expressed an interest in staying, while talks with former Wings midfielder Anthony Riviere are continuing.

Smith has also stated that he will be holding trial games at the end of this month as he does not want to sign the majority of last season's squad without seeing them play.

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