AFC Telford closing in on two new additions
AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson was today closing in on his next two signings for the club's Skrill Conference Premier challenge.
The Bucks boss has entered negotiations with a proven Premier striker and a highly-rated winger plying his trade in Conference North.
Watson hopes the forward will sign on the dotted line at the start of next week, while he's playing a waiting game in his pursuit of the wide man.
The Telford chief is keeping their identities under wraps, as he believes other clubs will enter the race once they know serious interest is afoot.
He said: "We have got 17 players in the squad already, which is not a bad place to be at this stage. I am talking to a couple more this week, too.
"Hopefully, we can get positive decisions from them and if we end up with a squad of around 20, I will be more than happy with where we are.
"We have scope for, at least, another three and I will be looking to replace anybody who moves on. We are closing in on two signings."
Watson has also lined two loan captures from the Football League, but the duo want to try and impress in pre-season at their parent clubs first.
Player-coach Alan Moogan and winger Mike Phenix appear to be staying on, with the latter concentrating on his health issues over the summer.
Phenix is stepping up his treatment from ulcerative colitis, the same stomach problem that sidelined Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.
The 25-year-old still netted nine times during the Conference North title-winning campaign, becoming the Bucks' super-sub with seven from the bench.
Watson said: "Mike had big spells for us last season, especially over the Christmas period where he was very good. Then he had blips through illness.
"With his new treatment, he's fairly convinced he's all sorted and, if that's the case, then it's all systems go. The club have been good to him through it.
"You don't see many players of his style in the Conference Premier, so I can imagine him being someone full-backs wouldn't relish playing against."
Hereford United defender Rod McDonald will complete the formalities of his move to the New Bucks Head when he returns from holiday this week.
Southport stopper Steve Akrigg, Witton Albion winger Josh Hancock and Grimsby Town goalkeeper Jonathan Hedge have also joined this summer.
Full-back Matthew McGinn, released by Telford after a year's service this summer, has signed for Welsh Premier League side Airbus Broughton.
