Sam Stockley storms in to bolster Bucks

AFC Telford United today sealed the signing of experienced former Port Vale full-back Sam Stockley.

The 33-year-old agreed a deal with the Bucks before Christmas but has had to endure a frustrating wait for international clearance, having had a short spell coaching at Hungarian club Ferencvaros.

That came through this morning and Telford now plan to have the versatile defender registered in time to come into contention for Saturday's FA Trophy second round clash with Eastwood.

Stockley has made more than 400 Football League appearances with the likes of Barnet, Colchester and Wycombe as well as Vale.

He retired from the professional game in 2009 due to an eye injury but is ready to pull his boots on once again at non-League level.

"He's been training with us for a month and he's delighted to be here," said boss Andy Sinton.

"He knows Adam Proudlock (the Bucks' leading scorer) quite well and Adam's obviously done a bit of PR for us.

"He comes with a good record and a good pedigree and boosts our squad.

"He plays right across the back line and can play anywhere across the middle of the park as well," added Sinton.

"We're getting him registered but there are no guarantees and no promises.

"It's up to him to force his way into the 16-man matchday squad and, once he does that, to try and get himself in the starting XI."

Sinton is still keeping tabs on a couple more potential new recruits though he does not expect any deals to go through ahead of the Eastwood game.

Winger Lee Smith, who signed on loan from Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday, is cup-tied for the Trophy clash. He played in an earlier round during a prior loan at Gloucester.