Skipper Stuart Whitehead has bought into the new feel-good factor sweeping AFC Telford United, insisting: “We could achieve anything this season.”Telford’s stuttering start to the campaign had led to an air of despondency hanging over the New Bucks Head, but that has been blown away by the club’s FA Cup exploits.

The Bucks are into the first round proper for the first time since re-forming and are preparing to face Southend United next weekend.

But Whitehead believes success in the Blue Square North and Setanta Shield – they face Cambridge United in the third round n Tuesday – could follow on the back of it.

“We’ve brought two great additions (striker Danny Carey-Bertram and full-back James Meredith) into the side to strengthen it and we’re 11 unbeaten now so it shows we’re not a bad team,” he declared.

“When we do start performing to what we are capable of, we could achieve anything this season.

“We need to catch up to the leading pack, but this little run we’re on will stand us in good stead.”

Whitehead was due to lead his side in this afternoon’s Blue Square North clash with Hucknall Town at the New Bucks Head.

But he took time out to look ahead to the meeting on the horizon with Steve Tilson’s Shrimpers, and admitted he was looking forward to the challenge.

“I’ve played in the FA Cup against the bigger teams and it’s good to test yourself against them,” he declared.

“Southend have got a good tradition, they’re a League One team and there will be a big crowd – it’s something for the fans to enjoy as well.

“It’s a little break from the league so it should be a great day for everyone.”

By Chris Hudson