Smith marching on new signing

Boss Rob Smith hopes to confirm AFC Telford United’s fifth summer signing by the end of the week as he wrestles with pre-season injury worries.

The Bucks boss is preparing for a season opener at Stalybridge on Saturday, August 9 - but already has defensive issues for that clash.

Centre-backs Jimmy Turner and Asa Charlton are both ruled out - Turner due to a knee problem that is likely to sideline him until the end of September and Charlton because of a suspension carried over from the end of last season.

Right wing-back Lee Vaughan is also banned for that first game, and Smith has decided he needs to add to his squad. 

That has led to speculation of renewed interest in Burscough defender Dave Roberts, who was on loan at the club last season and was a transfer target earlier in the summer - but Smith was quick to rule that out.

“With the injuries and suspensions we’ve got we will be looking to make another signing and I think you’ll see someone in by the end of the week,” said Smith.

“We won’t be looking at Dave Roberts though, because we’re okay on the left side with Gavin Cowan, Asa Charlton and Dave Roberts.

“We need cover for Indy Khela and Lee Vaughan on the right and that’s the area we’ll be targeting.

“Lee’s suspended for the first game and we’d have earmarked Jimmy to cover there if he was fit.

“We need some experienced to come in and we’re pretty close to getting a deal done.”