AFC Telford United today sensationally pulled out of a deal to sign Worcester City skipper Tom Kemp – insisting they will not be held to ransom.

Kemp had been due to put pen to paper at training last night, having agreed terms to replace Gavin Cowan – who has now signed for Blue Square North rivals Fleetwood.

But the centre-back, who turns 23 tomorrow, increased his demands at the last minute, leaving chairman Lee Carter spitting with rage.

It is a blow for the Bucks, who also seem certain to lose tomorrow’s game at home to Farsley Celtic due to a waterlogged pitch. An inspection is scheduled for later this afternoon.

“I’m more depressed today than I’ve ever felt as chairman of this football club,” said Carter.

“I am depressed at the state of football at this level and I am depressed at people giving us ultimatums and quibbling over £12.50 a week.

“As a club, we are going to make a stand and show that footballers shouldn’t rule the roost.

“We want players who want to be here, to succeed and get rewarded for that success rather than be rewarded on reputation alone.

“I know this makes us look silly, I feel embarrassed and very sorry for our supporters.”

Carter said manager Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers both supported his position and would now start a new search for defensive recruits.

“If it takes us every day and every hour for the next week, we will find someone hungry enough, who wants to come here and put in a shift,” he added.

“We need someone in the mould of our former defender Indy Khela.

“He won us promotion with his shoulder hanging off and that’s the kind of character we want.”

Meanwhile, Carter said he had arrived at the New Bucks Head this morning to find the playing surface under water.

And, looking ahead to this afternoon’s pitch inspection, he added: “I hope the referee brings his flippers and snorkel, because that is what he is going to need.”