AFC Telford United have turned to their nearest neighbour to strengthen their squad – with the loan signing of Shrewsbury Town defender James Meredith.

The Australian left-sided man, 20, is likely to be one of two new faces for Saturday’s trip to Burscough – with striker Danny Carey-Bertram set to complete a move from Bath City tonight.

Meredith’s arrival on a one-month loan comes as Telford chief Rob Smith confirmed the departure of  defender Asa Charlton.

He has left by mutual consent after growing frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities.

Former Hereford and Forest Green forward Carey-Bertram, 24, will attend training tonight where he will sign the paperwork to finalise his non-contract move.

“This week has probably been one of the hardest of our lives in terms of phone calls,” said Smith in reference to the exhaustive search he and assistant Larry Chambers have made for new signings.

“Larry phoned Paul Simpson (the Shrewsbury boss) out of the blue and he’s got to be one of the nicest guys in football. He and his assistant John McMahon could not have been more helpful.

“He was prepared to let James come in for a month and it was nice that he was so forthcoming.

“James had two years at Derby and he was their young player of the year. He really fits the bill for us – he’s a young, strong and athletic wing-back.

“We spoke to him and he was dead keen to come – he knows we’ll be reporting back to Paul on his progress.”

Charlton’s departure marks the end of his second spell at the New Bucks Head, and Telford’s Blue Square North rivals Redditch are now favourites to snap him up.

“He wants regular football and we can’t guarantee him that,” added Smith. “We felt it was best for all parties if he gets fixed up elsewhere.

“Asa’s a cracking lad to deal with and I’ve loved every minute I’ve had with him.”

By CHRIS HUDSON