Boss Andy Sinton today moved to strengthen AFC Telford United’s midfield options – signing former Wrexham man Steve Abbott.

The 27-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at the New Bucks Head, with the option for a second.

Chester-based Abbott began his career at Wigan Athletic but made his name at Team Bath, where he scored 30 goals in 80 games as the student side rose through the non-League ranks.

A move to Wrexham didn’t prove profitable, but he scored another 10 goals in 34 appearances on loan at The New Saints last season before being released by the Dragons.

The switch to Telford will also enable him to pursue a teaching career that has been on hold since he joined the professional game.

“He’s coming out of full-time football, but he recognises that Telford is a big name in non-League football and he wants to be a part of it,” said Sinton.

Experience

“He’s a leader, he has a wealth of experience, he’s a good size, athletic and he gets around the park well. His goalscoring record as an attacking midfielder or deep-lying striker is very good.

“One of the area I have identified is that Telford just didn’t score enough goals last season, particularly from midfield, and we’re trying to address that.

“I think Steve will be a big signing – he ticks all the boxes and I can’t wait to see him perform. He had a couple of offers from clubs at a higher level but he wanted to come here.”

Sinton also revealed that he is close to announcing another two more new signings in the next couple of days.”I should have two more very soon – a wide man and a defender,” he revealed.

“We just need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s on those,” he added.

By CHRIS HUDSON