AFC Telford United have swooped to strengthen their squad by signing two new defenders ahead of tonight’s Blue Square North trip to Stafford Rangers.

Aaron Brown has joined on a short-term deal after leaving League Two side Burton Albion, while Adam Dugdale has signed on a month’s loan from Barrow.

The pair go straight into the squad for this evening’s clash at Marston Road, along with former Wolves midfielder Kevin O’Connor, who has signed on non-contract terms.

Brown, 26, has been training with League Two side Accrington Stanley since leaving Burton.

The 6ft 5ins defender also has Football League experience with Walsall, Reading and Yeovil, and boss Rob Smith is delighted to have him on board.

“It will probably only be a short-term thing because there are a lot of pro clubs looking at him,” said Smith.

“But we’ve got an issue with Lee Vaughan suspended for two games, and he can play at right-back or anywhere across the defence and in midfield.”

Liverpool-based Dugdale, 22, has joined from Barrow for an initial month to help reinforce the central defensive ranks ahead of what could be a busy period for the Bucks.

He will compete with skipper Stuart Whitehead and Shane Killock for a place in the team.

Smith added: “Everybody knows we’re short in the central defensive department and he fits the bill.

Pedigree

“He’s big, strong and aggressive, and as soon as he became available we made our move.

“He’s got a good pedigree and he’s hungry and keen to come to us – he had the choice of a few clubs but wanted to come here.”

The Telford boss now feels he has a large enough group of players to cope with playing two games a week.

“The main thing is that the squad is bolstered, because we are going to need them all,” he said.

Vaughan and striker Andy Brown are both suspended tonight, while midfielder Carl Rodgers has been struggling the flu and Liam Blakeman is a slight doubt after going over on his ankle in training at the weekend.