Rob Smith and Larry Chambers have been pledged a ‘Christmas bonus’ to their playing budget – but that will not compromise AFC Telford’s “value for money” blueprint.

That was the guarantee from chairman Lee Carter today as he reflected on a record profit of £7,000 for the last 12 months – the third successive year the re-formed club has reported a surplus.

And that encouraging figures are presented despite a backdrop of extra expenditure on the New Bucks Head pitch, the paying out of transfer fees for the first time for Lee Moore and Steve Foster and the loss of revenue from the lack of Wolves reserve games at the New Bucks Head.

But Carter is keen to see Telford cash in on their lofty position in Blue Square North – victory over Kettering this afternoon could elevate them up to second place – and insisted money will be available for squad strengthening in the second half of the season

“We put a budget in place here which is responsible and we always do it so that there are a few extra pennies available at Christmas,” he said.

“That way, if we are going well and fighting for promotion, we can have an extra push.

“That will be the case again this year if Rob and Larry feel we need to bring players in but we will always go for value for money.

“That is at the centre of everything we try to do here but I’m not sure that is the case with our competitors.”

Carter has also offered a fresh endorsement to Smith and Chambers, whose current contracts expire in 2009.

“We have to protect our best assets and Rob and Larry come into that category,” added the chairman.

“Whether that is extending their contracts or adding to their budget depends on the time but I think they have got a job here for as long as they want it.”

By James Garrison