Jamie Hand sorry for AFC Telford comments

Hand gave an interview just before the opening game of the season where, when asked about Telford, he labelled the Bucks as playing in a "rugby style."

Watson called this opinions "bizarre" in response and added he "started laughing" when he read the story, claiming Hand had spoke to him about a move to his club.

But the two appear to have buried the hatchet ahead of Saturday's Skrill Conference North game at Edgeley Park, which is likely to go ahead without the Hatters man, anyway.

The 29-year-old has made just five appearances for County since signing from Mansfield Town in the summer and has been left out for the last six games.

And Watson simply said: "Jamie sent me a text a few weeks ago to apologise."

Stockport now have Alan Lord in charge, having parted company with Ian Bogie after a disastrous start to the campaign. They have since climbed to 13th place.

Their long-term future is far from secure but a delegation of potential Chinese investors will be attending the Telford game, which the club hope will lead to their involvement.

But Watson believes they have made the right choice on the field with the permanent appointment of Lord, who was already a boss when the Bucks chief started playing in the late 1980s.

Watson said: "I think they have made a good appointment with Alan Lord, he's someone I have known since I was a kid. He's got a great eye for talent and will, no doubt, get them fired up.

"He used to manage at North West Counties level when I started out as a player at Magull, I have got a lot of respect for him. He's been there a good while and is a good man.

"He deserves this chance, it's a big club and a nice ground."

Telford have already picked up eight points more league points than Saturday's visitors, having played two games less, and sit seventh in the table.