Local lad Elliott Durrell looks set to spend the season away from AFC Telford United – with Hednesford Town leading the chase to sign him.The right-sided defender burst on to the scene in spectacular fashion last season, coming through the youth team to score on his debut in a 3-2 win over Solihull Moors in the Setanta Shield.

But he was not able to build on that promising start, failing to hold down a regular place in the matchday squad.

Boss Rob Smith has not written off his chances of returning to the New Bucks Head in the future – but feels he can only benefit from playing for the Pitmen.

Durrell has been training at Keys Park since the start of pre-season and looks set to agree non-contract terms with the UniBond League club.

And he will have some familiar faces to help him settle in. Hednesford have signed three other former Bucks over the summer – goalkeeper Stuart Brock, centre-back Andy Jones and striker Tyrone Barnett.

“It was always a situation where Elliott needed to be going somewhere to get regular football,” said Smith.

“Hednesford’s not far and they’re playing their midweek games on Mondays so it means I’ll be able to go down and watch him.

“If a situation arises where we need him back then we may go and sign him up.

“The UniBond League looks like being full of quality this season so it will be a cracking move for him – there’s some big-spending teams in that league and I think we got out at the right time.

“It will be interesting to see how Elliott comes along and I still think he has the potential to have a good career.”

* The Bucks have been drawn at home to Gainsborough Trinity in the first round of the Setanta Shield. The match will be played in the week commencing September 8.

By Chris Hudson