AFC Telford boss lines up two more signings

Former Swansea and Huddersfield midfielder Ian Craney has signed until the end of the season and is the first arrival since Cooper replaced Andy Sinton in the New Bucks Head hot-seat last week.

And Cooper believes the 30-year old, who has played more than 300 games for seven clubs, is exactly the type of player Telford need to help halt their dismal Blue Square Premier League run of 17 games without a win.

Asked what Craney, who has scored 88 senior competitive goals, will bring to the team, he said: "Goals, drive going forward and he has got good experience of success at the level we are at.

"He is the right age, the right price. He ticked all the boxes."

Cooper revealed the deal was struck over the last four days following Telford's 2-1 defeat to Cambridge United on Saturday.

Craney was a free agent having departed League Two side Rochdale last month and the player was keen to get back into action and get games under his belt.

Cooper added: "The deal came together quickly. I got a phone call about it on Saturday night and we got it sorted out last night.

"He gives us a bit of know-how and experience and he just wants to play."

Craney has signed on a short-term deal and Cooper acknowledged he could put himself in the shop window for other clubs in the summer if he performs well.

But the new Bucks boss did not rule out the possibility of extending the deal in the close season if the partnership proves successful.

And he wants to strengthen the team further before Saturday.

He said: "I think there will be probably two more players that will give us a bit more drive."

However, Craney's arrival has meant the Bucks have opted not to renew Gerard Kinsella's one-month loan from Fleetwood Town.

The 21-year-old arrived at the New Bucks Head at the start of January and made seven starts in that time.

Meanwhile, winger Steve Leslie returned to training last night after a groin injury.