AFC Telford United manager Rob Smith believes the team’s “focal point” will be returning when they welcome back Carl Rodgers for this weekend’s trip to Eastwood.

The powerhouse midfielder has missed the last three Blue Square North games through suspension having been sent off in the 2-2 draw with Hinckley at the start of the season.

His absence has coincided with a dip in form for Telford, but Rodgers makes a welcome return to action on Saturday.

And Smith is delighted to have the former Colwyn Bay midfielder – and potentially striker Andy Brown after a rib injury – back in his ranks.

“It is absolutely enormous for us to have Carl back,” said Smith.

“The three games he has been missing we have lost two and struggled against Harrogate.

“He’s the focal point of our team and I think the players realise how important he is to us.

“There is a good chance Andy will be fit as well so it will be fantastic to have two players who have been so important to us in the last year or so back available.

“Offensively, players haven’t stepped up to the plate recently when they have been given their chance and we need that to change.”

Meanwhile, Smith, assistant manager Larry Chambers and chairman Lee Carter will face supporters at a specially arranged fans forum in the Learning Centre at the New Bucks Head tonight (8pm).

And Smith has revealed he put in the initial request to Carter for the event to be arranged.

“I was the one that wanted the forum in the first place and I hope fans come along and ask the questions they have,” he added.

“It’s okay having the forums when things are going well but fans have probably got more questions when results are the way they are at the moment.

“It’s not often we get the chance to do these fans forums so it’s an opportunity to put our points of view across.”