'Net closing in' on AFC Telford United signings

AFC Telford United manager Andy Sinton believes the "net is closing in" on potential signings.

While the Bucks boss isn't expecting to complete many signings imminently and has seen a couple of targets move elsewhere, he is encouraged by the ongoing negotiations.

And the Bucks boss is confident his squad re-building is bang on course with the season opener at Barrow on August 11 under six weeks away.

"We know the level where we are shopping at," said Sinton. "I lost one or two last week – one wanted to stay full-time and the other because of geographical reasons.

"But the net is closing in. I could go and sign players now but they would not be any better than what we had last year.

"We want to improve and we want to get the right characters in."

Sinton is also running the rule over a number of trialists, thought to include 21-year-old former Port Vale goalkeeper Chris Martin.

The Blue Square Premier fixtures released yesterday handed Bucks a long opening-day trip to Barrow.

The opening week is completed by home clashes against Forest Green Rovers and Braintree. For the second successive season, Telford have been given a festive double header against Wrexham, away on Boxing Day and at home on New Year's Day.