AFC Telford United are hoping the imminent appointment of a new manager will lead to a surge in season ticket sales.

The Bucks have already seen a 60 per cent renewal rate for the 2010/1 campaign.

But chairman Lee Carter expects there will be another rush once a new boss is appointed “within the next 10 days”.

“Last year’s total sales were 620 and we’re well on course to hit that again,” declared Carter.

“We’ve had a cracking response already, especially when you bear in mind that most of those took place before we decided to make a change in management.

“It shows the supporters are still with us, which is encouraging.

“The announcement of the new manager will take place in the next 10 days or so, and hopefully that will help.

“It’s down to us to enthuse the fans and give them more than one reason to get their pen out of their pocket and write a cheque.”

Carter also insists there are plenty of reasons to be positive as they look ahead to a new campaign in three months time.

Budget

Pre-season last year saw plenty of warnings of cuts in the playing budget, but the chairman is eager to accentuate the positive this time.

“Last year we were a little bit too pessimistic over the course of the summer,” he added.

“We were only trying to be realistic in terms of our budget, but this year we can afford to be more positive.

“We’re hoping the new manager will be someone who grabs this club by the collar and really proves he wants to be here.”

The provisional list of teams for the newly-named Blue Square Bet North has been issued, with the Bucks pitted against three new promoted clubs, Boston United, Guiseley and Nuneaton Town.

Harrogate Town and Vauxhall Motors have both been reprieved from relegation, while Worcester City have been moved across from Blue Square South.

By CHRIS HUDSON