Defender Stuart Whitehead has revealed how he turned down a summer move to FA Trophy opponents Corby, insisting: “I want to finish my career with AFC Telford United.”

The Bucks play host to the Northamptonshire side in the third qualifying round of the Trophy on Saturday.

And Whitehead, 34, has admitted he could have been playing for the visitors.

“I spoke to their manager (Graham Drury) and he offered me a contract,” Whitehead revealed.

“They’ve got some good players down there and what they’re trying to build is quite similar to what Telford have built here.

“But I’m at the situation now where I don’t want to be moving everywhere.

“I just want to finish my career at Telford. I’m enjoying it so much and it wouldn’t mean as much to play for another team.”

Whitehead’s season has enjoyed a renaissance in the last month – having played all of the last four matches after sitting out the first 14.

He got his chance when Liam Murray was suspended and has improved by the game – winning the man of the match award in Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Workington.

And the former Darlington, Shrewsbury and Kidderminster centre-back believes the standard of the squad means everyone is under pressure to maintain high standards.

“You look at the quality throughout the team and the players who aren’t playing and it’s incredible really,” said Whitehead.

“Liam Murray’s been outstanding and he’s not playing at the moment.

“He must feel a bit aggrieved, I know I would, but that’s just how it is. There’s no grumping or griping.”