Ford adds Lawson to his fire-power

The 22-year-old striker, who can also play on the right wing, started his career with Southend United and made an instant impression with the Shrimpers, scoring inside ten minutes of his debut against Oldham Athletic.

He made 30 first team appearances during his two-year spell with the Essex club, before spending time on loan at Grimsby Town, AFC Bournemouth, Dagenham & Redbridge and Grays Athletic.

Ford, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk  this morning, says he will use Lawson in his preferred striking role.

He said: “He’s been at Chelmsford for, I think, just last season, played up front to start with, scored a few goals and was then reverted to the right side of midfield, probably because I think Chelmsford played with just one up top and then was used more as a utility player than a striker.”

“I think reading between the lines he wants to play up top, so that’s what I’m looking at him for.

“A few other clubs were chasing him, Chelmsford offered him another new deal for next season, but we were luckily enough to sign him.”

Lawson joins former Claret, Spencer Knight at Park View Road for company next season.

Ford is also delighted that Loui Fazakerley has decided to stay at the club.

“Loui was concerned that players had left and we weren’t going to be a force next year and he wants to be playing in a successful team and that’s why he was maybe waiting and stalling or looking to see what else was around,” said Ford.

“There were rumours that he was going to sign for Bromley and that didn’t materialise. 

“I’m just pleased (he’s going to stay).  He’s seen the signings and I’ve talked to him quite a lot over the summer and told him who I’m trying to sign and now it’s coming together.

“As an attacking force now, Lee Clark (who I’ve signed from St Albans City), James Lawson, I’ve got another one coming in today, and Loui, that’s quite an attacking force there.”

When asked how he’s going to turn the Wings into a side challenging for Blue Square South honours, Ford replied, “I think that’s a hard task for us considering our budget.  I know my heads on the line really.

“We weren’t out of the top nine last year finishing seventh, coming from a relegation battle (the previous season), that was an achievement.

“People will be expecting the next little bit next year but the budget’s been cut, things are tighter.  The supporters helped with a players wage and that’s now no longer available.

“All in all, it’s going to be a smaller squad but I’ve got some quality in.  The one thing is if I’ve got injuries, that will be a problem with a smaller squad.

“All I can do is go and do the job I’m trying to do.  I’d like to have a bigger budget and a commercial side to it but we’ll have to wait and see.  Hopefully the club can do that later on.”

Meanwhile, later on in the day, the Wings have confirmed that Anthony Finn, 26, has arrived from AFC Wimbledon. The pacy winger can play on eithere flanks and also as striker.

Finn has previously played for Hayes, Gravesend & Northfleet, Colliers Wood United and Metropolitan Police.

Meanwhile, Ford has been speaking to a number of other players, including former Braintree Town striker Danny Hockton, but as yet cannot agree terms with the former Margate and Bromley striker.

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Welling United boss Andy Ford has signed James Lawson from fellow Blue Square South side Chelmsford City.
Photograph courtesy of www.chelmsfordcityfc.com