Exclusive by Matthew Panting

Former Welling striker Andy Pugh has admitted he owes Jamie Day for kickstarting his career.

Pugh came out of the professional ranks after failing to break through at Gillingham and joined the Wings in the summer of 2010.

After 46 goals in 84 games for the Wings, he completed a five-figure move to Cambridge United on Wednesday.

Paying tribute to Welling player/boss Day (pictured), Pugh said: "He was the most crucial thing when I signed for Welling.

"From my three-month loan I had at Welling I knew that Jamie was the man I wanted to play for and he would get my career back on track.

"I thank him for everything he has done for me, I owe him a lot and won't forget what he has done for me.

"Welling have given me the belief again that I can play in the league."

Pugh admitted that he could have left the Wings at the start of last season as the club faced financial problems off the field, but he is glad that the club have turned their fortunes around.

"That could have been the case for everyone," he admitted. "But we all knew what we signed for and we stuck it out and the club is in a better position now and can hopefully push on for the play-offs."

Meanwhile Day has completed the signing of former Tonbridge man Scott Kinch ahead of Welling's home match with Chelmsford on Saturday.