Birch set to make his exit at Bucks

Striker Gary Birch has played his last game for AFC Telford United after snubbing the offer of a new one-year contract and walking away from the club.The 26-year-old marksman is understood to be on the verge of signing instead for BGB Southern League division one Midlands club Chasetown.

That was a shock for Telford boss Rob Smith, who had hoped the former Walsall and Lincoln man could be a key figure next season - providing he got his well-documented fitness problems under control.

“We offered him a new deal, a contract which we thought was a good offer, all things considered,” said Smith.

“He wasn’t really good value for money last year with injury and fitness issues and so on, but we offered him a one-year contract on the proviso that he came back at an agreed weight.

“He agreed that and shook hands on it, but then he told me last night by text that he was leaving and I wish him all the best.

“I think he’s going to go to Chasetown and I understand he’s got a two-year deal. We were not in a position to be able to offer that to a player in his condition.

“We haven’t seen the best of him and we haven’t really seen his potential. Maybe it was too much of an ask for him to come back in the shape we wanted, but whoever gets him is getting a good player.”

Smith is now planning to strengthen his squad further, adding: “This has freed up a chunk of money for us and we can take our time now and go out and get another decent striker.

“The majority of the squad have re-signed, and there’s probably room for two, or even three more quality players.”

Meanwhile, the make-up of the Blue Square North has been confirmed for next season - subject to sanctioning at the league AGM on June 7 - with Worcester and Redditch moving south and BGB Southern League champions King’s Lynn heading north.

Hucknall Town have been saved from relegation.