Skipper Stuart Whitehead looks set to miss AFC Telford United’s weekend clash with Workington – as boss Rob Smith urged his critics to face him at tonight’s fans’ forum.

Whitehead has picked up a slight hamstring strain and is likely to be rested for the Blue Square North clash at the New Bucks Head as a precaution.

His absence means Smith will recall Asa Charlton to the squad, the centre-back having made two appearances for Hednesford in the last fortnight.

“Stuart’s very, very doubtful,” confirmed Smith, who is attending the forum at the New Bucks Head’s Learning Centre (8.30pm).

“It’s nothing serious, it’s just a bit of a strain, but – with the FA Cup coming up the week after – we won’t risk him. Stuart will be at the forum himself tonight so people can ask him about it then.

“I’m looking forward to it because there’s obviously gripes out there and now people have their chance to come and put their points to us.

“Maybe we can educate them a little bit and give them an insight into what’s going on at the club.

“If anyone’s not happy, I’d urge them to come and talk to us direct rather than shout from a distance or on a computer.

“We’re not going to bite anyone’s head off.”

Meanwhile, Telford will travel to face Hendon in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, the Ryman League premier division side having beaten Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 in a replay last night.

Smith and assistant Larry Chambers travelled to London to watch the game.

Smith also revealed he was still likely to move for a new left-sided player in the next week after getting the results of Simon Forsdick’s MRI scan.

“I know Simon’s said he could be back in four weeks but I think that’s a little on the positive side and, after talking to the consultant, I’d say it’s likely to be about six weeks,” he added.

“He hasn’t played a lot of football on top of that so we may have to look at getting someone in and we’ll address that over the next week.”