Defender Indy Khela is the latest player to be awarded an AFC Telford United contract – but only on a pay-as-you-play basis.The 24-year-old missed large chunks of last season through injury, and boss Rob Smith has taken that into account with the offer he has made to the man who was his first signing for the club in February 2006.

Khela was quick to accept those terms, signing the one-year deal to remain with the Blue Square North club.

Midfielders Jon Adams and Gary Fitzpatrick also agreed non-contract terms last night, while defender Vaughan Thomas was released after four months with the club.

“Indy’s signed a contract but it’s purely appearance-based,” Smith confirmed. “He realises he owes the club a little bit after spending so much time out last season.

“If we’d decided to take him off contract he wouldn’t have had an argument, but this deal suits both parties.

“I still think he’s one of the best defenders in the division and it’s a massive year for him coming up.”

On Adams and Fitzpatrick, Smith added: “It was an absolute breath of fresh air to meet with the pair of them.

“They didn’t want to talk terms, they just wanted to know when we are starting pre-season training.

“I’ve never known a lad as keen as Jon Adams. He’s fit as a fiddle, doesn’t touch a drop of alcohol, and has the potential to be a top player.

“Fitzy will be 37 next season but he’s done so well for us and it would be foolish to get rid of him just because he’s old.

“We warned him last year he might find it tough to break into the team, but he managed it and we missed him when he was out.”

Centre-back Thomas, who also played under Smith at Willenhall, has been allowed to leave in order to find more regular football.

But Smith feels he was unfairly maligned by some fans and put in many important displays during the run-in – notably against Workington and Stalybridge.

* Telford have completed their pre-season schedule by agreeing a game with League Two side Chester at the New Bucks Head on Saturday, August 2.

By Chris Hudson