Midfielder Phil Trainer has highlighted the two reasons he signed for AFC Telford United – manager Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers.

The 27-year-old Black Country boy has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the New Bucks Head, following a successful loan spell last season.

He rejected overtures from several sides in the league above in order to come to Telford, insisting his relationship with the management team had made his decision simple.

“There were a few Blue Square Premier teams interested, but I really enjoyed my loan period at Telford with Larry and Rob and all the lads,” he said.

“Stevenage had come in for me just before I signed for Telford on loan so I already knew of their interest.

“I was flattered because they were in the play-offs and won the FA Trophy at Wembley so they’re a top-of-the-table team in the league above, not just an also-ran.

Full-time

“But it was having Larry and Rob in charge that made up my mind to sign for Telford. I’d played on loan for them at Willenhall a while back and enjoyed that too, so they were a big factor.”

Trainer has had a taste of the full-time game from his spell with Oxford United.

But, despite admitting he would like the chance to return to the professional ranks, he has had no trouble re-adjusting to the part-time ranks – and has already found himself a job.

“I’ve got used to playing full-time but, before I went full-time, I was a plumber,” added Trainer.

“I gave my old gaffer a call and he says | can have my old job back.

“It would be nice to go back full-time one day, and hopefully I can do that with Telford.

“I just want to concentrate on playing for this club, now. It was gutting to lose in the play-offs so hopefully we can do it automatically next season.”