Blog: Signings bring cheer back to AFC Telford

The majority of the misfiring, 'disappointment of a team' have been shown the exit door, leaving two of them signed for next season.

Others with slightly differing amounts of hunger, desire and loyalty being given the opportunity to earn a deal for next season.

Despite the number of players retained, two of the three managers who have been in charge of us over a close season have chosen to operate in the August bargain bins.

That's opposed to shopping early and having a clear picture of exactly what is needed – Liam Watson, like Rob Smith, has begun his overhaul in earnest.

And, from a month ago, really feeling that the end of the season couldn't come quick enough now seems as though I am wishing my life away.

That is said because of the calibre of signing we have been making - now I can't wait for pre-season to start.

Since the end of the season, the appointment of Watson and Dominic Morley came along with the unveiling of Sean Clancy on presentation night.

His obvious desire to be at the club was, for me, such a shot in the arm after what we have had to endure for the previous two years.

There was the departure of Jordan Rose, Jake Reid, Luke Hubbins and Ian Craney – players who obviously didn't give a damn about the club.

If that wasn't enough, we signed the type of experienced centre-half in Simon Grand that I feel will bring out the best in Dan Preston.

Last season, Preston was pretty much the only constant at the heart of the back four, with nobody really to help him improve.

I believe he will put the discipline issues behind him and the improvement we see in him will be unreal.

With the chance to grow, he could register us sums of money similar to Aden Flint, who looks to be heading to Bristol City for £300,000 from Swindon. Don't think that is impossible!

Next up, we raided Conference North champions Chester not once, not twice, but three times, completing what on paper looks like a mean back four, with plenty of attacking threat thrown in for good measure.

The two defensive signings of Matthew McGinn anWes d Baynes formed part of one of the tightest defences in the league's history last season.

Add that to the safe hands of club living legend, goalkeeper Ryan Young, you have to feel we will be a difficult side to break down this time around!

The third of the signings from the Cestrians, Tony Gray, is a proven striker at this level. With goals in his locker at Conference Premier level, he is, to me, the marquee signing so far.

Ammunition was something our forwards seemed to be lacking last season. Hopefully, that can be rectified with the signings of exciting youngsters.

Mike Phenix and Sean Cooke, with more goals in their lockers, are looking to make the step up in standard. Young, hungry, raw players who have something to offer us and want to perform on the bigger stage.

On top of that, we have the signing of up-and-coming Adam Farrell, who appears to be capable of bullying defences, putting himself about and again, chipping in with goals.

Added to the fact he has played alongside Cooke, means that although they haven't played together in Telford shirts, there are lots of links within the squad so far.

Most have previous experience of playing alongside each other, so it won't be a complete gelling process needed when pre-season starts at the end of June!

I'm sorry if I have missed any signings out... and know there are plenty more on the way in the not too distant future, but this is all shaping up rather nicely!

It's all rather exciting, just waiting, wondering how these guys will perform in the white of AFC Telford United. If you haven't bought your season ticket yet, I suggest you do.

Not wanting to put any unwanted pressure on Watson and the team at this early stage but I really do believe this could be our best season since we reformed – and we have had some good seasons along the way!

So get yourself down to the New Bucks Head and part with your cash, you know it makes sense!