AFC Telford United can get over their play-off disappointment and mount a strong promotion challenge next season if the spine of the team sticks together, says goalkeeper Ryan Young.

Young today urged current players embroiled in contract talks to stick around for another shot at promotion to the Blue Square Premier.

“Of course it’s important for the team to stick together as it was very disappointing to lose the play-off game with Gateshead as we all worked really hard but it just didn’t play out for us,” said 29-year-old Young.

“It’s inevitable that the gaffer is going to have to make some changes because some players are getting offers from elsewhere or want more first team football but it would be great for the backbone of this team to stay put.

“The nucleus of the team have come on really well together and it’s a big club at this level so I don’t think anybody really wants to leave,” he added.

Young, who signed up for two years last summer along with midfielder Liam Blakeman and defender Stuart Whitehead, was speaking as boss Rob Smith awaits decisions over new deals for nine key players.

If all nine, who have not been named to avoid alerting rival clubs, sign on the dotted line The Bucks will have a total of 14 players in their squad for 2009/10.

Last week the club tied up deals to retain right-back Lee Vaughan and striker Andy Brown for another year.

Smith said earlier this week he expects players to decide their futures within a week and revealed many have been made reduced offers owing to the economic downturn.

Chairman Lee Carter echoed Young’s optimism and said: “The players appreciate the club, I hope they all stay.”

He also confirmed talks with the nine players have progressed well, adding: “We are positive about the majority of the negotiations.”

By Tom Johannsen