Boss Rob Smith is urging AFC Telford United to back up their good intentions by delivering some festive treats to their fans.

The Bucks chief has been pleased with what he has heard from his players in a series of heart-to-heart discussions since last Tuesday’s embarrassing 3-1 defeat at Redditch in the Blue Square North.

But he knows that will count for nothing if they cannot get it right on the pitch in the next week.

Telford play Stafford Rangers home and away over the holiday period, with a trip to Hinckley sandwiched in between.

And Smith will only truly believe the penny has dropped if they come out of those three fixtures with a decent return.

“The proof will be in the pudding when we play,” he said. “I’m hearing all the right noises from the players, but we will see.

“They were ashamed of the performance at Redditch, as was I. It’s up to the lads to put it right.”

Smith is relishing the Christmas programme and insists he has no problem with playing so many games in such a short space of time.

He also enjoys the challenge of playing nearest rivals Stafford twice in a week, at the New Bucks Head on Boxing Day then at Marston Road on New Year’s Day.

“I like the Christmas spell,” he said. “It’s something you are brought up with in football.

“We have some good games to look forward to, and it’s great playing Stafford twice in succession.

“It used to be like that in the old first division, where teams would play their closest rivals back-to-back ad they were great occasions.

• Youngster Scott Embery has joined UniBond League division one south side Chasetown, having struggled to break into the Bucks’ line-up this season. The teenage midfielder will link up with former Telford striker Gary Birch.

By CHRIS HUDSON