Defender Gareth Jelleyman hopes his switch to AFC Telford United will provide the spark to his career ambitions on and off the pitch.

The former Peterborough and Mansfield left-back signed for the Bucks this week, having turned down offers from professional clubs in order to turn part-time.

He now plans to push ahead with gaining qualifications as an electrician, while also hoping to win more honours on the football field with Telford.

“I’ve been looking to go part-time and this is the perfect opportunity for me to do it,” he said. “I came down here on trial and really enjoyed my time.

“I played a couple of games and thought I did quite well – and the management team seemed to like me, so it’s a good move for both parties.

“Hopefully I’ve still got many years to come, but I have started thinking about needing a career after football,” he added.

“I’m studying to become an electrician and this is a great opportunity for me to do that while playing football at the same time.

“I’d like to think we could be pushing for the championship and I believe we’re good enough to do that.”

Jelleyman faces a long commute to come to Telford for training and matches, but revealed he had already made travel arrangements with another of the Bucks’ new signings – striker Matt Nolan.

“I still live in Peterborough, but Matty Nolan’s from Luton so we’ve got a little car school going already, so it’s not going to be too bad,” said the 28-year-old.

l Midfielder Scott Embrey, a product of Telford’s youth academy, has been told to get himself fixed up with another club in order to play regularly this season.

“Scott’s going to go and get games – there are a few clubs that have expressed an interest,” said boss Rob Smith.

“We’ll keep him registered and call upon him when we need him, but he needs to go and play football.

“I think he’s got a good future – hopefully with us – but there are lads ahead of him in the pecking order.”

By CHRIS HUDSON