AFC Telford United are to step up their hunt for defensive recruits – after missing out on Stafford Rangers centre-back Jermaine Johnson.

Boss Andy Sinton had hoped to add the Rangers man to his squad as extra strength in depth to boost their Blue Square Bet North title bid.

But Johnson has opted to remain at Marston Road and, with on-loan defender Mark Preece being recalled by parent club Mansfield, the Telford chief will now widen his search.

“Jermaine is going to stay where he is,” confirmed Sinton, whose side play host to Eastwood tonight.

“We had been contacted by people telling us he was interested in a move but he captained Stafford on Saturday and scored in their win (2-1 at Gloucester) and I’ve had a message that he thinks it is the right thing to help them get out of the mess they are in.

“That’s highly commendable but it may show a lack of ambition on his part.

“We’ve at least got Liam Murray on the way back,” added the Telford chief. “We’ll be stepping his fitness work up quite dramatically and Stuart Whitehead came back in on Saturday and did very well.

“We’ll keep asking questions about other people but there’s nothing close at the minute.”

Meanwhile, Sinton has warned his side to be wary of Eastwood’s threat in tonight’s clash at the New Bucks Head.

The midtable Nottinghamshire side arrive in good form, having won seven in a row in all competitions.

“It’s taken them a while to get it all together but they are a powerful, strong side,” said the Bucks boss, who has presided over a run of seven wins and a draw in the last eight league games.

“I’ve seen them a couple of times and I know what they are all about.”

Telford are still awaiting international clearance for ex-Hereford man Danny Williams, who has joined from Belgian side RRFC Montegnée.

By CHRIS HUDSON