AFC Telford United hope to have three new faces on board in time for Saturday’s crunch Blue Square North clash at Alfreton Town.

Boss Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers have moved quickly to seek out extra bodies following Tuesday’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Northwich Victoria.

Chairman Lee Carter insisted the Board of directors would back their manager to the hilt – and has called for supporters to unite behind the team.

He has also announced that a fans forum will be held next Thursday (8pm in the Learning Centre at the New Bucks Head) for fans to air any issues they have.

“We need everyone behind us,” he said. “We want to build on what has been a solid start to the season.

“Tuesday was rubbish, there’s no two ways about it, and I’m just repeating what the manager has already said.

“But we’d only have been two points off the top if we’d won, so it shouldn’t all be doom and gloom.

“We’re hoping there will be three new faces in the ranks for the weekend and there could be more changes in the next two or three weeks – you cannot rule anything in or out at this stage.

“We’re still an ambitious football club – Rob Smith is still ambitious and the Board is still ambitious and we want to get to the Conference together.”

Carter admits he has been worried by the drop in home gates this season – attendances are down 14 per cent on average, with just over 1,500 for the last two games.

“We’re concerned that the gates are down, but I don’t think that is solely down to performances,” said Carter.

“The onus is on us to attract more people through the turnstiles and we are approaching it in a positive way.”

By CHRIS HUDSON