AFC Telford bring in Akrigg and Josh Hancock
AFC Telford United have sealed their first summer signings with the captures of defender Steve Akrigg and winger Josh Hancock on one-year contracts.
Akrigg has been reunited with Bucks manager Liam Watson, who gave him his big break at Southport after plucking him from Skelmersdale United three years ago.
The centre-half, 27, was out-of-contract with the Sandgrounders and will be staying in the Skrill Conference Premier with promoted Telford.
Hancock, who can play on both flanks, has been handed his chance in non-league's top flight after joining from Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side Witton Albion.
The club have paid a nominal fee for the 23-year-old, who boss Watson regards as a hot prospect from the lower leagues capable of playing at a higher level.
He said: "Josh has the chance to step up and I think he will do well here. He's a talented wide player who can get a goal and has had a couple of steady seasons at Witton.
"I am made up to have got him. He's got a lot of potential and it's the same with Steve. I signed him at Southport and I think he should have gone up again from there.
"He's had problems with both of his shoulders, which have been operated on, so we hope he will be fine now. We know what we will be getting from him."
Long-serving goalkeeper Ryan Young left Telford this week after relocating to the Isle of Wright, while Watson released defender Dan Preston and midfielder Martyn Jackson.
The Bucks chief said: "Dan has been unfortunate to be let go and that's football. People told me things about him when I came here, but he's done well for me. I have a good impression of him.
"He will get a glowing reference from me, but he needs to play week in and week out now. I am sure he will do well wherever he goes. There won't be any shortage of takers."
Jackson was handed his first senior contract by the club last summer, but made only one substitute appearance before being loaned out to Stafford Rangers, Skelmersdale and Witton.
Watson said: "I think the break he got by getting a contract with Telford might help his career, because he's established himself as a non-league player.
"Travel had become a bit of an issue with Martyn, as he lives in Wigan. The simple fact is that he was looked at as one for the future, but we have gone up to a higher level now.
"From his point of view, he needs to go somewhere and build up his experience and I couldn't guarantee him that. It was only fair to let him move on."
