Boss Rob Smith is preparing to run with a wafer-thin AFC Telford United squad in order to maximise the quality at his disposal.

Smith – who was back in business today after a much-needed holiday – believes the recession-enforced cuts to his playing budget means he will have to operate with just 18 players.

He already has 15 signed up for the 2009-10 campaign, meaning his options are limited as he considers further re-inforcements following the arrival of winger Steve Torpey from Stalybridge last week.

“We’re looking for three more players – maybe four maximum – to finalise our squad, but we won’t rush into it,” he said.

“We probably need a left-back and a striker as well, then there will possibly be a midfielder.

“With the money we’ve got this time, we’re going to have to run with a squad of about 18.

“We’ll probably be a bit light at the back so we’ll have to rely on luck with injuries, but that’s the way it’s got to be.”

Despite those concerns, Smith is in upbeat mood as he reflects on his side’s prospects and has been delighted to see all his key players from last season commit to stay while he has been away.

“The big thing for me was keeping the ones we wanted to keep – the likes of Phil Trainer and Danny Carey-Bertram,” he added.

“I thought we’d lose a few because of the cuts but everyone has stayed and that was a big thing – getting Torpey on top was a bonus.

“We’ll start training on Saturday, June 27 and we will probably have at least two more on board by then, but we’ve already got a really good base to work from.

“Our first friendly is on July 11 (at Market Drayton) and I always like to get a good two weeks of hard work in before then.

“After that it’s games, games games – and that suits me because it’s important to get into match mode pretty quickly.”

By CHRIS HUDSON