Sinton finds three more Bucks' recruits

Boss Andy Sinton has strengthened his AFC Telford United squad with three eve-of-season signings, declaring today: "We're ready for business."

Full-back Will Salmon, right-sided utility man Philip John and centre-back Jacob Rowe have all agreed short-term non-contract deals ahead of tomorrow's Conference North opener at home to Hyde.

Salmon, 23, was a regular last season in the Conference National for Ebbsfleet.

His arrival is timely as right-back Martyn Naylor's international clearance has still not come through after playing for Rhyl in the Welsh Premier, while Ashley Woolliscroft remains a fitness doubt.

John steps up from Southern Premier League side Didcot and Rowe, 19, joins after his release from Birmingham City.

Sinton is delighted with his late transfer activity and is now eager to get the campaign under way.

"A manager once told me that promotions and play-off places are cemented in August and September," said Sinton. "You always get the odd team who come in with a great run from January but I'm a great believer that points on the board early can help you.

Clearance

"Hopefully we can get the three points tomorrow. We're ready to go, we're ready to play — we're focused, we're positive and now we have to go out and perform."

Club captain Stuart Whitehead is absent as he is on a course for retained firefighters.

Midfielder Paul Harrison is unavailable because, like Naylor, his international clearance has not come through — in his case after a spell in Spain.

But star striker Andy Brown has shrugged off a tight hamstring while left-back Sean Newton (knee) should also be fit.

And Sinton believes the three new arrivals add an extra dimension to his squad. "Will played for England C so he comes with a good pedigree," he said.

"Philip John's got blistering pace both as a wide man or as a full-back and I played him as a second striker three seasons ago (for Fleet) and he got 24 goals."

By CHRIS HUDSON