AFC Telford United have completed a second raid on crisis club Nuneaton Borough to secure the signing of in-demand striker Andy Brown.The 22-year-old student scored 20 goals for Borough last season and was interesting almost a dozen clubs in the Blue Square Premier and Blue Square North.
But Smith has beaten off the opposition to get his man on a one-year contract with an option of a further season included.
With Nuneaton due to enter administration today, he has been able to get a player he values at around £10,000 on a free transfer.
His arrival follows in the wake of defender Gavin Cowan’s move from Liberty Way, which was only completed on Friday evening. “One area we identified as needing strengthening was up front, because we didn’t have enough goalscorers in the team,” said Smith.
“Andy scores plenty so he fits in that category, and to get him on a free is unbelievable.
“With Terry Fearns as well (who joined from Droylsden last month) we now have two goalscorers.
“We’ve capitalised on Nuneaton’s problems and I won’t deny that.
“He would have left anyway, but he would have commanded a fee - they couldn’t do that now as they didn’t retain him in the right way.
“There were probably 10 or 11 other clubs after him as well but he wanted to come here. We’re absolutely over the moon to get him.” Brown was Smith’s top target, though he admitted he also spoke to other strikers - including Kettering’s Anthony Robinson.
“Anthony phoned us, but in my eyes he’s not as good a prospect as Andy,” he added.
“We’ve got a player we can work with, and there’s a lot more to come from him.
“He gets goals and you won’t see anybody who works harder.”
Smith insisted he had now finished his summer shopping, and plans to enter pre-season with the squad of 19 players he has now put together.
“We start work in 26 days time, and that’s it now,” he said.
“I’m more than happy that the squad I’ve now got is the best I’ve ever had at Telford.”
By Chris Hudson
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