AFC Telford United will this week open talks with prospective left-back targets following the shock departure of new ‘signing’ Rhys Meynell.

The 20-year-old from Stalybridge Celtic had agreed terms on a one-year contract at the New Bucks Head and had already been unveiled as a Telford man.

But he performed a dramatic u-turn last week, opting instead to link up with Mick Wadsworth – his former boss at Gretna – at Blue Square Premier side Chester City.

Recognised

That has left the Bucks with Danny Edwards as their only recognised left-footer capable of playing in the defensive role at present.

“We’re talking to people this week but we’re not going to rush into things,” assistant manager Larry Chambers revealed.

“There’s still going to be a lot of movement at clubs and there will be a lot of opportunities to get players in.

“There’s a lot of players out there who have not got themselves fixed up and we will not be hurried into any hasty decisions.”

Meanwhile, Telford will step up their preparations for the start of the Blue Square North season when they gather for training tomorrow evening.

The first week of pre-season training has largely been focused on fitness, with two hill-running sessions on the Wrekin the most demanding aspect of that goal.

The friendly programme begins on Saturday with a trip to county neighbours Market Drayton Town and Chambers says the focus will now start to change.

“We’ll have the balls out tomorrow and it’s down to some serious work – the players are all looking forward to it,” he added.

“We’ve got quite a few games coming up in the next three weeks now and they cannot wait to get out there and start playing.”