AFC Telford old boy Tyrone Barnett on move for big bucks

Former AFC Telford United striker Tyrone Barnett has maintained his meteoric rise by becoming Championship side Peterborough's £1m record signing.

The 26-year-old has completed a seven-figure move to London Road from Crawley, although the deal is initially a loan move until the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

Rob Smith lured Barnett to the New Bucks Head in the 2006-7 season, but the forward - who has also had spells with Rushall and Willenhall, left at the end of the UniBond League premier division campaign.

And Smith, now boss at another of Barnett's former clubs Hednesford, today spoke of his delight at seeing his former forward climbing the Football League ladder.

"He was very raw when we signed him but he was always exceptional in the air and always had everything he needed physically to be a top player," said Smith.

"But he had a tendency to fall asleep during matches. Concentration was an issue.

"I always thought he would benefit from playing professionally and that's how it's proved. He's come on in leaps and bounds."

Barnett, who moved into full-time football with Macclesfield in 2010, added: "I have always followed Peterborough, a few mates have come here to play. I love it here and cannot wait to get started."