Ex-Town man to Buck ‘em up

AFC Telford United have completed a swift deadline day move for midfielder Emeka Nwadike, with boss Rob Smith declaring: “He’ll give us a lift.”The 29-year-old has joined on non-contract terms from Worcester City, who have made a number of their northern-based players available after being advised that they are likely to be switched to the Blue Square South next season.

He met boss Rob Smith yesterday in his home town of Derby and the paperwork went through ahead of yesterday’s 5pm deadline for non-League transfers.

Nwadike began his career as an apprentice at Wolves and had a spell at Shrewsbury back in 1997/98 before drifting into the non-League game, where he has established a good reputation in the region.

“I didn’t know he was available until the weekend,” Smith revealed.

“I’ve liked him from the start of the season and if I’d known he was available I’d have gone in for him sooner.

“He’s a box-to-box player, very competitive, strong in the tackle and he chips in with a lot of goals from set-pieces - and we could certainly do with that.

“He had five other clubs phone him while I was there yesterday so it was a case of moving quickly, but the sway of Telford persuaded him to come.

“It’s a non-contract signing but he will be here next season, whatever league we are in. This is a long-term thing.”

Smith believes Nwadike’s timely arrival will help his side shake off the poor form that has seen them lose their last three Blue Square North matches.

That run has seen them drop to third place, but Smith is confident they can still get the points they need to take their season into overtime.

“If we don’t make it then it won’t be for the lack of trying,” he added.

“We’ve moved heaven and earth to try and get players in at the right time this year and the squad should be capable of achieving a play-off place.

“I think two wins will guarantee it, and five, or maybe even four points, could do it.”

Meanwhile, midfield general Jamie Vermiglio was this tea-time going for an X-ray on his foot, and if given the all-clear will be ushered straight back into the first team squad.

“He’s quite a fit lad and we haven’t got a lot of time, so we’ll be looking to get him involved as soon as possible,” he said.