New signing Liam Blakeman is delighted to have finally joined AFC Telford United – four months after the deal was first muted.

The 25-year-old midfielder became boss Rob Smith’s first summer signing when he joined on a two-year contract from Southport last week.

But he today revealed how he could have made a loan switch to the Shropshire side in January if then-Southport boss Peter Davenport had allowed the deal to be done.

“I’d decided in January I’d had enough at Southport and I had made my mind up that I wanted to go part-time,” he revealed.”I was put on the transfer list and Telford actually tried to sign me on loan back then. I’d have loved to have done that, but Southport wouldn’t let me go.

“Things improved when the new manager (Gary Brabin, who replaced Davenport) took over, but I’d already decided I wanted to move on.

“I’m looking to the future now, and I want to do my coaching badges because I’d love to stay in the game once my playing days are over, and going part-time will give me the time to go and get my qualifications.

“It maybe came across in some quarters that the only reason I’ve decided to come to Telford is for the money, but that’s not true at all. It was purely a football decision and I’m keen to do well for this club.”

Blakeman is in now doubt he has joined the biggest club in the Blue Square North, and believes manager Smith and his assistant Larry Chambers are building a squad that can mount a serious title challenge.

“From when I was speaking to Rob I got the impression that they really want to go for it next season,” he said. “When I spoke to Rob and Larry and the chairman I got a great impression of the place and I know how good the fanbase is.”

Meanwhile, one-time Telford target – Worcester centre-back Chris Smith – has joined Tamworth.