WELLING player-manager Neil Smith has assured supporters that he aims to have at least half of his squad in place by the end of the month.

Smith is yet to make his first signing despite taking over as manager a month ago but he is refusing to press the panic button and then have players on his books who are not up to standard.

He said: "The squad will be forming by the beginning of July. I'm not going to sign anyone on the blind and there's no need to panic."

Smith will give all of last season's squad the chance to impress in pre-season. He added: "If they live up to what people are telling me then they've got nothing to worry about."

Goalkeeper Jamie Turner has indicated that he will now sign a new contract with the Wings despite interest from Maidstone and Tonbridge. Defender Joe Bruce has joined Conference South rivals Cambridge City.

* See the Bexley Extra (Friday, June 15) for the full story.