AFC Telford United today announced their biggest signings of the summer - with management team Rob Smith and Larry Chambers agreeing extended contracts.The duo had been contracted to the end of next season, but the new deals - which will be signed in the next few weeks - tie them to club until June 2010.
Chairman Lee Carter is delighted to reach agreement with what he regards as the best non-League management pairing.
And he believes they could eventually go on to challenge Stan Storton as Telford’s longest-serving manager.
“They deserve this for the work they’ve done,” said Carter.
“It was the first bit of business I wanted to do when the season was over and we agreed it quickly.
“It’s improved terms that we’ve given them and they deserve that. Even now, they’re not on mega-money but they continue to do a fantastic job.
“I think if they stay to the end of this deal they would overtake Gerry Daly to become the second longest-serving managers in the club’s history - and then there will only be Stan Storton ahead of them.”
Smith admits it was an easy decision for both he and assistant Chambers to shake hands on the new deal.
He added: “I think we’re both happy to stay here as long as they want us.
“We’ve had a great year, despite missing out on promotion (from the Blue Square North), and, far from being downbeat, we’re actually optimistic for next year because we know what the league’s all about now.
“I’ve got a fantastic relationship with the Board, and especially with Lee. We’re singing from the same hymn-sheet in terms of negotiating players’ finances.”
Smith will tonight meet with defenders Indy Khela and Vaughan Thomas, plus midfielders Jon Adams and Gary Fitzpatrick as he gets closer to completing his retained list.
By Chris Hudson
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