Rob Smith and Larry Chambers

Management duo Rob Smith and Larry Chambers were today given a resounding thumbs up to lead AFC Telford forward.

Club chairman Lee Carter backs the pair to lead the club on to a bright future, despite Friday night’s play-off final defeat at Gateshead that cost them a place in the Blue Square Premier.

Smith and Chambers are both contracted for another season, and Carter is confident they will return motivated to make another promotion push next season.

“Our management team are a key asset,” said Carter. “They both know we are desperate for them to stay and be happy here.

“They are doing a fantastic job and I am certain they will stay to keep it going.

“It’s still less than 72 hours since what was a very disappointing night for everyone so they are down right now, but I’m sure they will come back raring to go.”

Carter will preside over a Board meeting tonight, as the Bucks start their planning for next season.

Issues on the agenda include season ticket prices, matchday admission charges and the playing budget for the 2009-10 season.

“These are things we would have liked to have done earlier, but we didn’t know which league we’d be in,” said Carter.

“I should imagine it will be difficult in the next year and the club faces challenges because of the economic climate. We’ve got to be prudent and conservative in our approach.

“We’re as well placed to deal with the situation as anyone but we will not gamble with the financial well-being of the club.”

By CHRIS HUDSON