AFC Telford get set to sign Mike Grogan
AFC Telford United were today on the verge of signing defensive midfielder Mike Grogan – as they drew Rob Smith's Hednesford in the FA Cup.
Enforcer Grogan is set to join on non-contract forms from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North promotion contenders Cammell Laird.
The 24-year-old, who can also play as a centre-back, is expected to put pen to paper in time to train with the players at the New Bucks Head tomorrow night.
And Telford manager Liam Watson has revealed that if he signs, the new-boy will replace the suspended Russell Benjamin at home to Colwyn Bay on Saturday.
Watson said: "He should sign tomorrow and we hope he will train with us tomorrow night. He's someone we need – he will always put a tackle in.
"I would say he's like Carl Rodgers, who used to play for Telford, someone you know will get seven out of 10 every week.
"He's got a goal in him, too, he scored for Cammell Laird away in the cup on Saturday and he's a tough, tough lad to have in there.
"We need a player who will go and win the ball. He can play centre-half as well. He will start on Saturday, 100 per cent."
Today's FA Cup draw threw up an all-Skrill Conference North clash between hosts Telford and Hednesford a week on Saturday.
That means Smith's first return to the club he managed from 2006 to 2010 has been brought forward and the Pitmen boss is a close friend of Watson's.
It's also a reunion for Smith's assistant Larry Chambers in what will be the third home game in a row for Telford, with Worcester City the visitors in the league next Tuesday.
Watson said: "It's the type of game what will, hopefully, get our season going. A match like this that could trigger us into life and we need something to do that. This could well be the chance.
"We have two home league games before that and maybe we would have liked an easier draw, but this is a good game.
"The bigger picture will always be the league, so it's important we go out there and do things right from here."
