Optimism appears to be returning to AFC Telford United – with season ticket sales for the coming Blue Square North campaign taking off at a brisk pace.

The club had been hoping to be playing in the top flight of non-League football next season, only to have their hopes dashed by a play-off final defeat at Gateshead.

But supporters have stuck by the club, with chairman Lee Carter admitting he has been delighted with the take-up of season tickets, which only went on sale over the weekend.

“Sales are going very well and we’ve sold over 100 already,” said Carter.

“The packs weren’t sent out until last Friday so we’ve been delighted with how quickly the renewals have come in.

“The postbag was full again this morning, so the signs are good. We’ve had a great response and we’re confident we’ll get somewhere near last year’s total, which was just over 700.”

Season tickets purchased before June 27 are available at an ‘early bird’ rate of £178 for adults and £128 for concessions.

Fans taking up that offer would effectively be getting five games for free if they attend every league fixture in 2009-10, and Carter believes that represents good value for money.

“It’s a fantastic deal for the coming season,” added the Telford chairman.

“We’re confident we’ll have a better XI on the field come August than we did at the start of last season, as well.”

l Tickets are still on sale for the club’s ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’ event on June 20, when they will be marking the fifth anniversary of the new club.

A number of ex-Telford personalities will be attending, with the club’s record goalscorer Kyle Perry the latest to be confirmed.

Mick Jones, the popular manager in charge when the old Telford United went bust, is another who will be at the Whitehouse Hotel.

For more information call 01952-640064 or 01939-260099 or 07971-979261.

By CHRIS HUDSON