Quality the key for Telford

Boss Rob Smith will put quality over quantity as he embarks on an exciting summer programme to turn AFC Telford United into genuine title contenders.

The Bucks finished 17 points adrift of Blue Square North champions Kettering this time around, and Smith believes just three or four players of “sheer quality” could put his side in the same bracket .

The hard work has already begun to find those targets, while the Telford chief also met with his assistant Larry Chambers last night to decide on the future of his current squad.

He will now set up meetings with his players next week to reveal his decisions and offer terms to those he wants to keep.

“I think that it was an unbelievable achievement from these boys to finish second, but I don’t think we’ve got enough match-winners or quality to go out there and do that again,” he declared.

“It’s not about quantity this pre-season, and I think it would be ridiculous to rip it apart and start again. I’d say it’s about finding four players of sheer quality, but to do that will cost money.

“Rest assured though, we’ve been working on this for a couple of weeks - and there’s plenty going on.”

While recruitment is at the top of Smith’s agenda, he also admits there are some in his squad attracting interest from other clubs.

The rumour mill has been quick to link wing-back Lee Vaughan with Blue Square Premier new-boys Kettering, but Smith was quick to play that down.

“We’ve had a couple of phone calls about a couple of our contracted players,” he revealed.

“We had an inquiry about Lee Moore from a club in the same division, but that won’t be happening and we’re certainly not looking to get rid of good players.

“We’ve got an option on Lee Vaughan’s contract so if anyone wanted to sign him they would have to stump up the cash, but I don’t honestly think he would choose Kettering over us.”