AFC Telford's Dan Preston feels career back on track ahead of Bradford Park Avenue clash

Making just his second start of the season under boss Liam Watson as part of a three-man defensive unit, the 22-year-old participated in a complete no-show. They lifelessly lost 3-1 at Avenue with a 3-5-2 formation in which Preston had, initially, impressed a week earlier that September in a 1-0 defeat against Harrogate Town.

Watson's side rebounded to beat Colwyn Bay 4-1 at the New Bucks Head the following week but Preston appeared to carry the can – and he would be left with a long road back.

He went out on loan to Barrow and Stourbridge before he was recalled in December and forced his way into the manager's plans, where he currently holds a starting berth.

He's used to his critics at Telford even before Watson arrived, labelled a 'hot head' for a 10-game suspension for two red cards early last season, but Avenue was another low ebb.

Preston said: "I first played as a three against Harrogate but it didn't really work at Bradford, maybe it's because we were still gelling as a team. But, after that, I didn't really get a sniff.

"I remember the week before the game that I was not feeling myself. You always go through stages where you are not enjoying your football and I wasn't, at that stage.

"It was a bad result, first and foremost, but it was a miserable time for me. I was just low on confidence, personally. It's mad how things change."

Turning into the six months since then and a reunion at home to Bradford Park Avenue, Preston is a part of Watson's plans at a time when the team are top of the Skrill Conference North.

The Premier is where the former Birmingham City stopper dropped down from with Telford in depressing fashion last season and where he feels he, and the club, ultimately belong.

He said: "Any time the gaffer has asked me to come in, I think I have done alright. It's been a turnaround, as I didn't really look much of a favourite to ever play again for Telford.

"That's football for you, I have forced myself in there after going out on loan and coming back to fight for a place. Since I did that, I am enjoying the game even more now.

"We are top of the league, so it couldn't be going any better. However we go up, it would be my first senior league medal and would be the highlight of my career so far.

"But the most important thing is that I want to be playing in the Conference Premier, that's where this club should be and getting that promotion would mean everything.

"We are scoring a lot and goal difference could play a part at the end of the season, but it's also important to keep them out, too. It all helps add to the tally."

Preston admits adjusting his attitude has helped him deals with Watson's squad rotation. The boss is planning more changes to the side tomorrow.

He said: "There's a lot of competition at the back and across the positions, in general, and the gaffer seems to keep swapping us, but we seem to be comfortable playing together."

"It's not really a massive problem for us defenders, at the moment, as we are all doing well playing together. We don't have to go three at the back all of the time, but it's an option.

"When I wasn't in the team over previous seasons, I did used to get upset. Sulking and falling out with managers does your reputation no favours.

"If you get left out, there's no point in dwelling on it. And you can't really complain if you are dropped and the team win. Maybe you can only play in some games.

"If the gaffer says you will get your fair share of football, you have just got to take his word for it."