Boss Rob Smith today backed himself to steer AFC Telford United up the Blue Square North table, vowing: “I won’t throw the towel in.”

The Bucks are five points adrift of the play-off places and down in ninth place, having lost 3-1 at lowly Redditch in their last outing.

Saturday’s scheduled trip to Northwich Victoria was a victim of the big freeze, while a local commercial radio station spread a rumour that Smith and assistant Larry Chambers had quit.

That suggestion was quickly scotched by the club, and Smith himself is eager to prove the doubters wrong.

“I don’t know where that (the resignation rumour) came from,” said the Telford chief.

“We’ve still got a lot to play for.

“This is probably the first big blip we’ve had in almost three years that we’ve been here. It’s a test for all of us and we are relishing it.

“We certainly don’t want to throw the towel in. There are a lot of points to play for and things can change quickly – especially over the Christmas period.”

Telford chairman Lee Carter called for an immediate apology after claims that Smith may have quit were broadcast on Saturday afternoon.

And, in a strong statement on the club’s official website, he added: “The Board of Directors would like to publicly state their full support for Rob Smith, Larry Chambers and all of the football management staff.”

l Telford’s blank weekend has given extra time for their walking wounded to recover from minor niggles and knocks.

Loanee Andre Gray would definitely have missed the trip to Northwich, but the Shrewsbury youngster should now be fit in time for the Boxing Day clash at home to Stafford Rangers.

The only man definitely out of that one at this stage is centre-back Gavin Cowan, who will be serving a one-match suspension.