Welling have completed the signings of defender Michael Dean and midfielder Dean Cracknell.

The duo have been on trial during pre-season but have now agreed deals with Welling boss Andy Ford.

Cracknell is well known in non-league circles having previously been with St Albans but it represents a step up for Dean, who has not played at this level before.

However, Ford believes that he can bridge the gap.

"Michael has got some pace about him and will develop into quite a good player," said Ford.

The Wings boss knows his resources will be fully stretched ahead of the Blue Square South opener against Woking on August 8.

Striker James Lawson (knee) is a long-term absentee while Andy Sambrook and Ryan Johnson both missed the defeat to Dulwich on Saturday through injury. Winger Loui Fazackerley does not return from work commitments until the first game of the season.

"James is a big loss," bemoaned Ford. "I've not got enough bodies to cope and have two players in each position.

"I haven't got another big man and that's a concern as I don't think it is going to be a short-term injury."

Ford already has one loan signing lined up to boost his squad but may have to wait a bit longer to seal that particular deal.

"I've got something lined up but it won't happen until the second week of the season," said Ford.

"I wish it could happen now because it would be ideal for what we want. I think it will happen but the player's club need to get somebody in.

"I shouldnt wait for that, I should make a move now, but that's my gamble - it will be good if and when it happens."

The Wings boss will continue to work his way through trialists in the remaining two pre-season matches, although he hasn't ruled out the possibility of bringing in more players to cast his eye over.

"There might be one or two coming down," he added. "I spoke to a central midfielder on Saturday who is deciding whether to drop down.

"It makes me laugh when people say we are a little bit weaker than last year but I'm afraid we are, because we're £500-700 lighter than last season - what were they expecting?"