Experienced defender Stuart Whitehead has agreed a new one-year deal to stay at AFC Telford United – and set his sights on surprising their full-time rivals.

Whitehead, who turns 35 next month, has settled on terms with boss Andy Sinton and will sign the necessary paperwork when the Bucks start pre-season training on next Thursday.

The former Darlington and Shrewsbury man has experienced life in the Conference Premier with Kidderminster and the old Telford United – and is looking forward to returning to a league dominated by major professional clubs like Luton Town, Lincoln City and Stockport County.

“I’ve had a few calls about going to other teams in the Conference North and some of them are closer to where I work,” revealed the retained firefighter.

“I’ve got another baby on the way and it might have been easier with my work commitments than travelling up and down the country, but I didn’t really give it a thought.

“Being back in the Conference is fantastic, it’s what we all wanted and I’m looking forward to it.

“The pressure has been building over the years to get out of the Conference North but this time the pressure is off and we can just look to consolidate,” he added.

“We might surprise a few people and you never know, we might be in the play-offs at the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, Whitehead has refused to rule out playing on for another two seasons, insisting he is feeling in better shape than he has in years.

“I’m playing one year at a time now,” he said.“I thought last season was going to be my last but I felt better and fitter than I did the year before, so who knows?

“I’m under no illusions, I’m not expecting to play 46 games next season. But the gaffer has told me he thinks I could go on another season after this one, and that would be fantastic.”

By CHRIS HUDSON