Mark Preece bolsters AFC Telford defence

Defender Mark Preece today checked in at AFC Telford United for a one month's loan - as manager Andy Sinton looks to add more cover.

Preece, 23, has arrived from Blue Square Premier side Mansfield Town after completing the paperwork late yesterday afternoon.

The 6ft 3ins centre-back, who previously made more than 150 appearances in four years at Forest Green Rovers, will provide cover for the injured Liam Murray.

"I watched him play for Mansfield's reserves in a game at Notts County earlier in the week," revealed Sinton.

"He comes with bags of experience and I'm mindful that we need cover as Liam Murray has a rib injury.

"He's reasonably aggressive and he's decent in the air. He looks comfortable in possession as well, and that's handy if you're a side that's trying to play.

"He comes with experience of the level above and that will stand us in good stead."

Sinton insists Preece has been given no assurance of first team football during his month on loan and may have to play second fiddle to first choice centre-back pairing Shane Killock and Stuart Whitehead.

"I haven't guaranteed Mansfield that he is going to play," added Sinton.

"Some clubs do like a promise that a player will get games when they loan him out but Mansfield know he comes here as part of our squad and they are happy with that."

Preece follows on from the arrival of goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, who signed for a month this week and would also have been in contention to feature if today's clash at Harrogate hadn't fallen victim to return of the wintry weather.

By Chris Hudson