Boss Rob Smith today revealed his relief at seeing the January transfer window close without losing any of his promotion-chasing AFC Telford United squad.

Scouts have flocked to the New Bucks Head in recent weeks, with League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge believed to have been monitoring striker Andy Brown.

Full-back Lee Vaughan has also been the subject of some speculation, but the window shut at 5pm yesterday with Smith able to keep his squad in tact.

“I heard nothing at all from anyone, thank God,” he said.

“I wasn’t really expecting a call yesterday because I think there would have been a little bit of a sniff earlier in the month.

“We’ve had people at the ground watching, but no-one made any tentative bids and that’s usually the sign.

“Maybe clubs are waiting until the summer because money is tight at the moment.

“We don’t need to sell anyway, the chairman has given me great backing and we’re looking to push on and get promotion.”

Smith also expressed his delight at getting a home draw in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy – the Bucks will face Southport on Saturday, February 21.

“I think it’s a great draw,” said Smith. “If it’s anything like the league game earlier in the season (which Telford won 1-0) then it will be a cracker.

“Both sides will think they have a realistic chance to progress.

“They’ve got a good team and I’ve said all along that if it’s not us, then I fancy them for the title – and they’re getting stronger as they go along.”

Meanwhile, Smith is keeping his fingers crossed that tonight’s Setanta Shield tie between Barrow and Southport goes ahead despite the weather.

The Bucks are due to travel to face the winners in the northern area final next Tuesday, and the Telford chief does not want to see another postponement.

By CHRIS HUDSON