Boss Rob Smith believes he has the final piece in his AFC Telford United jigsaw after completing a deal for defender Gareth Jelleyman.

The former Peterborough and Mansfield man has signed non-contract terms at the New Bucks Head to end the lengthy search for a left-back.

Jelleyman, 28, had impressed in trial outings against Port Vale and in the Shropshire Senior Cup final against Shrewsbury Town.

And he signed on the dotted line ahead of last night’s 2-1 friendly victory over Nuneaton Town, though he played no part in the game.

“He’s a massive addition to the squad for us,” said a delighted Smith. “I think we’ve already seen in the games against against Port Vale and Shrewsbury what he offers – he’s an out-and-out left-back with loads of experience.

“He could be priceless for us at this level. With him, Gavin Cowan, Stuart Whitehead, Jimmy Turner and Lee Vaughan, I don’t think there’s going to be many better defences in the league.”

Smith had signed left-back Rhys Meynell from Stalybridge earlier in the summer, but the 20-year-old performed a U-turn and joined Chester instead.

The Telford boss was furious at the time, but believes things have worked out for the best.

“We got out of jail,” he said. “If it was between Rhys Meynell and Gareth Jelleyman I would take Gareth all day, but at the time we didn’t know about him.”

Meanwhile, Smith was happy to see Telford prolong their unbeaten pre-season last night, goals from Gavin Cowan and Matt Nolan cancelling out the strike from former Buck Lee Moore that had put Nuneaton ahead.

“It was a good test for us because they were a well-organised team. We’re going to play more teams like that this season, and we are going to have to learn how to break them down.”

By CHRIS HUDSON