New AFC Telford United first team coach John Psaras hopes his Walsall connections can pay dividends for his new club.

Psaras has joined boss Andy Sinton’s backroom staff at the New Bucks Head, ending an 18-year association with the Saddlers in the process.

And he has already drafted in a stream of Walsall youngsters for trials during pre-season – with two of them getting a run-out in Saturday’s 5-1 win at Market Drayton.

Midfielder Richard Davies, the brother of former Wolves man Mark, and right-back Rory Wood are now waiting to learn if they will win a deal with the Blue Square Bet North club.

Passed

“I brought them in and they’ve done okay, they’ve been nice and steady,” said Psaras, who took training last night with Sinton and No 2 Darren Read both away on short midweek breaks.

“I thought Richard Davies, in particular, linked up very well with the front men and made himself available once he passed it.

“There’s a lot of competition for the midfield places and it’s going to be very tough for the gaffer to decide who to take on.”

Psaras worked mainly as an Academy coach at League One club Walsall, but insists he has no regrets about taking up his new role.

“I loved my time at Walsall but I felt it was the right time to move on and this is a great opportunity for me.

“I’m really enjoying it, and the games can’t come soon enough,” he said.

By CHRIS HUDSON