Chairman Lee Carter today revealed how AFC Telford United’s profitable cup exploits have made it possible to strengthen the club’s promotion-chasing squad.

The Bucks have so far pocketed prizemoney in excess of £50,000 from their run in the FA Cup, FA Trophy and Setanta Shield – a far cry from the early exits of recent seasons.

And some of that cash has already been invested, making it possible to secure loan deals for James Meredith and Phil Trainer until the end of the Blue Square North season.

Both were expected to play at Fleetwood today.

“It makes life a little bit more comfortable, especially with gates being down – if you take out the Stafford and Southport games then we’re down about five per cent on last year,” said Carter.

“I’m sure we would have backed our manager anyway if he’d come to us wanting to strengthen, but it would have made the decision a little bit more difficult.

“It would have been more of a risk, whereas now it’s no financial gamble at all.”

Carter insisted the windfall – which could yet be boosted still further if Telford make more progress in the Trophy or Shield – did not mean the club had money to burn, though.

Costs are also up this season, both in terms of the wage bill and behind-the-scenes operational matters.

“It’s very easy for people to do the sums and think we’ve got lots of cash but there are more expenses as well,” the chairman added.

“We’ve had two police bills this season for the first time, and we’ve got to share the cost of policing at Kettering next week (in the FA Trophy) because we share the gate receipts.

“There’s higher security costs and staff costs to take into account too.”

By CHRIS HUDSON