Andy Sinton delight at League One loan signing

Boss Andy Sinton was celebrating today after beating off a host of clubs to bring giant defender Ben Futcher to AFC Telford United.

The 6ft 7ins centre-back signed on a month's loan from League One side Bury yesterday afternoon and went straight into the squad for this afternoon's clash at home to Cambridge United.

Futcher, 30, has had a previous loan spell with Telford's Blue Square Bet Premier rivals Mansfield earlier this season, and Sinton believes he can make an immediate impact.

"He's got a wealth of experience," said the Telford boss.

"We've beaten off competition from two or three other Conference clubs to get him.

"Someone has spoken highly of Telford to him and it's good to know that we have got someone where money is not the deciding factor.

"It's nice to know that he has chosen us for the right reasons."

Futcher could form a new-look central defensive partnership with another recent Telford signing, Chris Blackburn.

That would probably mean club captain Shane Killock being rested after a difficult few weeks where his form has dipped.

And Sinton believes Futcher could play a big part in helping the Bucks to safety.

"He was at Mansfield for three months and that co-incided with their best spell of the season," said the Bucks boss.

"Their manager Paul Cox was raving about what he brings on the pitch and in the dressing room.

"I'd like to thank Bury and especially their manager Richie Barker – who I know from my time with him at Sheffield Wednesday – for making this possible.

"We've initially got him for a month and we've got an agreement that we can extend it until the end of the season as long as everything goes well."