Experienced defender Stuart Whitehead believes the “positivity” of manager Andy Sinton is behind AFC Telford United’s super first half of the season.

The Bucks have lost just once in the league and are through to the second round of the FA Trophy – a far cry from 12 months ago, when a similar-looking squad were languishing in midtable.

Whitehead, 34, insists ex-Spurs, Wolves and England winger Sinton must take the bulk of the credit for the transformation, hailing his approach to training and man-management.

“He’s very energetic, he makes the lads feel very good about themselves,” said Whitehead.

“He’s positive all the time, you don’t get any negativity around him and if you make a mistake his response is ‘so what?’

“We’ve got some young players and he’s exactly what they need. He’s been a pleasure to work with.

“I’m enjoying it – the sessions are vibrant, fun and sharp.

“We’ve had one defeat on20-odd games and it shows the impact he’s having.”

Whitehead also paid tribute to former Wolves striker Adam Proudlock, who has scored nine goals in 11 appearances since joining the Bucks – including a hat-trick in last Saturday’s 3-0 win in the Trophy first round tie at Harrogate.

“He’s fitted in so well with the lads,” said Whitehead. “You can tell he’s just a lads’ lad. He’s fun to be around and he’s really enjoying his time here.

“Every time he’s hitting the ball at the minute it’s hitting the back of the net.”

Telford were today lifting the covers on the New Bucks Head pitch to prepare it for Saturday’s scheduled Blue Square Bet North clash with Eastwood.

But, with severe weather forecast over the next few days, they will be going down again to give the game the best possible chance of going ahead.