AFC Telford United are stepping up their search for new signings as Tom Field became the latest player to walk through the New Bucks Head exit.

Midfielder Field has struggled to hold down a first team place and has taken the chance to join Telford’s Blue Square North rivals Droylsden.

He is the third of Rob Smith’s summer signings to leave in quick time, with striker Matt Nolan having already moved to Lowestoft and winger Steve Torpey joining Fleetwood.

It leaves Telford with a small squad of 15 first team players which is swelled to 18 by loan midfielder Gavin Hurren and youngsters Scott Embrey and Dave Howarth.

“Droylsden’s interest was put to Tom and he’s spoken to them and he’s decided he wants to go,” said chairman Lee Carter.

“Players want to play football and he’s decided to try and do that half an hour from his house rather than travelling two hours to fight for a place here.”

Carter said he would be talking with Smith when the squad meet for training this evening to finalise their preparations for Saturday’s FA Trophy clash away at Stalybridge Celtic.

And he hopes to have one or two new faces on board in time for the league trip to Farsley Celtic a week later.

“We’ve lost several non-contract players and the budget is there for the management team to go out and strengthen,” added Carter.

“I know they’re working very hard to do that. We know we are desperately thin on the ground and we are trying to get reinforcements on board.

“We’re meeting with Rob tonight and I’m sure we’ll talk about it in detail. I’d imagine we will have people in place by the time we go to Farsley.”

Telford will also take the chance this evening to assess the fitness of midfielders Carl Rodgers (foot) and Chris Nurse (hamstring) to see if they will be able to play a part at Stalybridge.

By CHRIS HUDSON