AFC Telford United defender Adam Dugdale is hoping to win a promotion to the Football League ranks – after getting a trial at former club Crewe Alexandra.

Dugdale was released by the League Two outfit in 2007 but has been invited back for training by boss Dario Gradi.

He was absent from the Bucks squad that lost 2-0 in their opening pre-season friendly at The New Saints last night – though manager Andy Sinton insists he would be welcome back if it does not work out for him at Gresty Road.

“We can’t stand in someone’s way when a chance like that comes up, especially as he’s non-contract,” said Sinton.

“He’s going to go and try it but the door’s not closed and he hasn’t burned any bridges.

“For him I hope it goes well, because I’m a great believer in progression. If not, I’ve told him to get in touch and we’ll speak and see where we go.”

Option

Meanwhile, Sinton revealed that he is confident of completing a deal for striker Alex Meechan, who played 76 minutes of last night’s defeat at Park Hall.

“We’re almost there, by tomorrow evening we should get it done,” he said.

“He gives us another striking option along with Andy Brown and Danny Carey-Bertram.

“It will be non-contract to start with, but the way we construct the deal it will be similar to a contract — he wants to come and we want him so we’ll get that done.”

Sinton cast an eye over five trialists last night, with former Crewe defender Cheyenne Dunkley joining Meechan, right-back Martyn Naylor, midfielder Will Richards and striker Danny Glover in trying to impress.

Teenager Dunkley played the first half before making way for Shane Killock, who arrived late after getting stuck in traffic.

“Cheyenne’s 18, he’s come from Crewe and he was highly thought of there.”

By CHRIS HUDSON