Ex-Wolves Nathan Rooney to join AFC Telford

AFC Telford United have pulled off a transfer coup – by securing a deal for former Wolves reserve team captain Nathan Rooney from under the noses of their full-time rivals.

The 19-year-old has signed a one-year deal with an option for a second, and manager Andy Sinton has agreed similar terms with defender Dan Preston and midfielder Courtney Pitt – as well as starting fresh talks with former loan star Greg Mills.

Telford-born midfielder Rooney started pre-season with the Bucks but left for a trial with Burton.

But, despite the offer of a short-term deal at the Pirelli Stadium and serious interest from two of Telford's Blue Square Bet Premier rivals, he has opted to return and played as a sub in last night's 2-1 friendly defeat to a Leicester City XI.

"Nathan's a local boy with great pedigree and a great attitude," said Sinton of a player who had a trial spell at Shrewsbury last term.

"He's 19, he's ready to go and I see him playing, even though there are no guarantees. The evidence was there last night – he looks after the ball well."

Winger Mills, a big part of the Bucks' promotion-winning side last season and now a free agent after being released by Derby, has most recently been on trial at Kidderminster.

But, despite a contract offer from Aggborough, he is hoping to secure a deal with the Bucks.

"I'm not just going to sign Greg on what he did for us last year," said Sinton.

"He needs to do a couple of tests to see where his fitness is because I haven't seen him for six weeks.

"I have always said I would like to sign him so we'll talk and see where we are."

By CHRIS HUDSON