Buoyant boss Rob Smith today backed his young AFC Telford United squad to last the pace with the Blue Square North’s promotion chasers.The Bucks are riding high in fifth place going into the hectic Christmas programme - and also have a first ever appearance in the first round proper of the FA Trophy to look forward to on Saturday.
Smith believes his side have now proved they are one of the “top seven or eight teams” in the league - and admits a place in the play-offs is now their end goal.
“With the injuries we’ve had, to be where we are sitting is great,” said Smith, as he took time out from his preparations for the Trophy clash with Blyth Spartans.
“We’re one of the top seven or eight teams in this league, without a doubt, and it’s given us something to play for over the rest of the season.
“It’s really encouraging and I’m happy with the squad - I’m not looking to strengthen anywhere at the moment. We’ve still not had a chance to put our full squad out, so we’ve done really well.
“We’re a young side who are learning, and I think we’re getting better all the time - the future’s bright.
“We’re determined to get a play-off spot, and that would be amazing in our first year in this league.”
Smith believes Telford’s best chance of promotion is to strike in their first season at this level. And he points to the example of Farsley Celtic, who got promoted at the first attempt, as proof of what can be done.
“Farsley took their opportunity and we want to do the same,” he added. “It’s proven that the second year is harder, and you only have to look at Blyth to see that.
“But we are concentrating on finishing the job this season. Making the play-offs would be an amazing achievement for us.”
7 Comments
Well said Rob, we’ve certainly got more chance of promotion this season than a certain other club down the A5 I could mention.
Matty, Why need mention them down the road? Put all your efforts into supporting us. Im fed up with reading comments about them, when the story is about us!!
AFC Telford play the underdogs act. you have the biggest crowds and biggest budget in your league… not to mention the best facilities by far. you SHOULD be competing!!
Get the Violin out for the Shroos man. His knowledge of our level of football is sadly found lacking again.
Come back when you can back up your statement with facts and not bull and prehaps it will be harder for me make you look stupid!
shroos man, we have nowhere near the biggest budget in this division. Some of the players at Hyde & Harrogate for example are on over double our highest earners. Crowds yes, but don’t bring budget into it when you don’t know what you’re talking about
some teams in this league are full time
By Shroos man’s rationale re AFC his bunch should also be competing, as they have some of the highest average home attendances (& thus more income) plus new facilities (don’t know about good, I think the seats face the pitch, which is an obvious error)!