Bucks boss Rob Smith reacts after his side miss a chance against Southport

Boss Rob Smith is set to hand the captain’s armband to powerhouse defender Lee Vaughan for AFC Telford United’s first home game of 2010 tomorrow.

Vaughan returns after serving a two match suspension and, with regular skipper Stuart Whitehead (hamstring) an injury doubt, the right-back could lead the side into battle against Eastwood Town.

It promises to be a tough clash against an Eastwood side in the thick of the play-off race, but Smith sees Vaughan’s availability as a massive boost.

“I think we miss him, he’s just a bright spark about the place and he gives us a buzz when he’s playing,” said the Telford boss.

“I’m thinking very strongly about making him captain tomorrow. He’s a player who’s always been there for me since I’ve been here.

“He’s had his ups and his downs in terms of his discipline, but he’s given me everything he’s got in every game since he’s been at the club. If everybody was the same as him we wouldn’t be in any sort of mess.

“He’s still convinced we’re going to get promotion. I keep telling him to look at the league table but that’s just the way he is.”

Smith admits he is as disappointed as the supporters to see the Bucks currently well off the promotion pace.

But he is asking the club’s fans to get behind the team tomorrow as they look to end a run of three consecutive defeats.

“Everyone’s gutted about where we are in the league,” he said.

“If people want to have a go at me then do that, but get behind the players because there’s no point having a go at them.”

Midfielder Liam Blakeman’s bruised ankle flared up in training this week, while Chris Nurse is struggling with a few niggles that are likely to rule him out.

By CHRIS HUDSON