Sinton hopes for one more Bucks signing

AFC Telford United have unveiled a 23-man squad to lead a promotion assault - with boss Andy Sinton hoping for one more "exciting" signing before the season starts.

Eight trialists have now agreed terms with the Bucks after receiving offers during pre-season.

Defender Martyn Naylor and ex-Shrewsbury midfielder Will Richards have agreed contracts to tie them to the club for the next 12 months.

Former Walsall midfielder Richard Davies has shaken on non-contract terms, though recent impressive performances mean Sinton is now ready to turn that into a contracted deal as well.

Keeper Daniel Platt, centre-back Karl Broadhurst, right wingers Tyree Clarke and Aaron Dillon and forward Alex Meechan have all agreed non-contract terms.

And the impending loan of Derby County winger Greg Mills takes the number of players up to 23 with the start of the Blue Square Bet North season just nine days away. "The squad's 99 per cent there," said Sinton.

"I always said I wanted 20 but having 22 or 23 with a couple of youngsters and a couple on non-contract doesn't really have a burden on the club.

"There's one still hovering around that might come out in the next couple of days," he added.

"We've been in a bit of a chase - we might just get him, and he would excite one or two people. But, on the whole, I'm happy with what we've got. We'll soon find out once the league season gets under way."

Sinton also revealed that he is likely to try and keep Mills, 19, beyond the initial one-month loan that he has agreed with Derby boss Nigel Clough.

Mills impressed in Tuesday's 2-0 friendly win at Hednesford and will make the temporary switch to the New Bucks Head in time for the opener at home to Hyde a week on Saturday.

"We'll get him on a month initially but I'll probably be looking beyond that month if it goes well," said Sinton.

By CHRIS HUDSON