AFC Telford United today received a timely financial boost as Wolves reserves agreed to return to the New Bucks Head.

The Molineux men operated without a second string last season, preferring to arrange behind-closed-doors friendlies as and when required.

But they will be entering a team in the Barclays Premier League Reserve Division next season, and are arranging to stage a number of their fixtures in Telford.

The record crowd at the New Bucks Head is still held by a Wolves Reserves match – with 6,280 turning up for the November 2004 clash with Liverpool, when Steven Gerrard was making a comeback from injury for the Reds.

There was also a large four-figure crowd a year earlier when former England ace Paul Gascoigne made a trial appearance for Wolves in a game against Everton.

The likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa and Stoke City also have sides in the same reserve league, raising the possibility of more big stars heading to Shropshire.

And Telford chairman Lee Carter is delighted to have reached agreement with their near neighbours to bring them back to the New Bucks Head.

“We don’t know the extent of the finance it will bring us, but it does mean there will be a bit of money that comes in that we didn’t budget for,” he said.

“We have a good relationship with Wolves and this is an arrangement that suits both parties.”

The financial impact of the deal could be especially important for Telford, who are still waiting to find out what will happen to their anticipated funding from broadcaster Setanta.

The Irish station is facing potential administration, a development which puts at risk the £15,000 due to every club in the Blue Square North as part of a £2.5m five-year deal with the Conference leagues.

Telford have received all the money owing as part of last season’s deal and also the prizemoney from their successful Setanta Shield run.

But a four-figure sum due for their live broadcast in the final of that competition is still outstanding.