AFC Telford United’s defensive strength has been recognised – with three players named in the Blue Square North’s all star team of the season.

Goalkeeper Ryan Young, right-back Lee Vaughan and centre-back Stuart Whitehead have all been included in the team made up of the division’s best players in the 2008-09 campaign.

The Bucks conceded less goals than anyone else in the league on their way to an ultimately unsuccessful play-off final, and keeper Young feels the recognition is richly deserved.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been in an all-star team and hopefully it shows I’m consistently doing my job,” he said. “I don’t know who votes for it, but it’s a nice honour.

“It’s good for us and good for the club to have three players in there and shows we have a good nucleus.

“I think Gavin Cowan can consider himself unlucky not to be in there as well. I’m biased because I’ve not played with everybody else, but I’ve never played with a better defender.”

Young made 68 appearances in all competitions last season – more than any other player in the top seven divisions of English football.

And, despite that hectic schedule, he cannot wait to get going once again when the friendlies start up.

“I just want to play in every game and I’m unhappy if I don’t play in pre-season fixtures, let alone league games,” he added.

“Over the last two seasons I think I’ve only missed one, and long may that continue.”

All Stars team (4-3-3): Ryan Young (AFC Telford); Lee Vaughan (AFC Telford), Stuart Whitehead (AFC Telford), Chris Smith (Tamworth), Shaun Newton (Droylsden); Nick Wright (Tamworth), Andy Hall (Hinckley), Jamie Milligan (Fleetwood); Lee Novak (Gateshead), Gareth Sheldon (Tamworth), Paul Clayton (Alfreton).

By CHRIS HUDSON