Chairman Lee Carter today cranked up the excitement for the start of AFC Telford United’s Blue Square North campaign, declaring: “For the first time ever, we feel like favourites.”
The Bucks are rated at about 6-1 with most High Street bookmakers, sharing favouritism with Southport.
Carter is honest enough to admit that manager Rob Smith’s eye-catching summer recruitment programme has been enough to justify those odds.
“We are quietly optimistic,” said Carter. “It’s a strange one because, while we’ve been in the position as favourites before, it’s the first time we’ve ever really felt like favourites.
“Before, we’ve only had that billing because people have had the misconception that we’ve got lots of money and can buy success.
“Now, though, I think it’s probably justified and we’ve got to live up to that tag.
“The only thing that I can guarantee is that our season will either get pelted by our supporters or we will get plaudits. I don’t think there’s any halfway house.”
Telford have invested in five new faces over the summer, bringing defenders Gavin Cowan and Martyn Naylor, midfielder Liam Blakeman and strikers Terry Fearns and Andy Brown to the club.
Carter admits they have not come cheap - but insists the Bucks are still living well within their means.
“We’ve supported our manager but our playing budget is something we can afford and the ludicrous amounts some people think we’re paying our players just isn’t true,” he added.
“I’m sure our budget is up there with the biggest in the league but we manage the business properly and it’s certainly not miles and miles above anyone else’s.
“We’ve brought in good players and I’ve never encountered a spirit like it is at the club right now.
* Telford are holding an open training session at the New Bucks Head tonight (7.40pm) and players will be available beforehand for autographs.
By Chris Hudson
Loading ...
Share this article:
What are these?