Southport midfielder Liam Blakeman was today unveiled as AFC Telford United’s first summer signing – with boss Rob Smith hailing him as “the best midfielder in the league.”

The 25-year-old has penned a two-year deal with the Bucks, joining on a free transfer after coming to the end of his contract with Blue Square North rivals Southport.

Smith believes he has got a natural goalscorer who fits perfectly into the mould of the type of “quality” signing he needs to launch another promotion challenge next season.

“I’d say he’s probably the best midfielder in the league,” a delighted Smith declared of the former Blackburn Rovers trainee, who also played for Burscough. He’s an awesome player – a very, very good footballer who chips in with a lot of goals as well.

“I think he pretty much guarantees you 15 goals a season and he’ll be well-liked by the Telford fans.

“I can’t really believe we’ve been able to sign him, because there were a lot of clubs after him – including some in the Blue Square Premier.

“We got him down here with his girlfriend last week and he really liked the set-up. We could hardly contain ourselves to get a player of his calibre and we wouldn’t let him out until he signed!”

Smith believes they had acquired a valuable asset, and has pledged to sign players of a similar status within non-League circles in the next week or so.

“Southport have made a mistake because his contract was up at the end of the season and they didn’t move quick enough,” he added.

“We’ve given him a two-year deal. We’ve got him on a free but if we’d had to pay for him he would have cost at least £20,000 so he’s an asset to the football club and one we need to protect with a longer contract.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ryan Young was the big winner at the club’s end of season awards evening, picking up four trophies.