AFC Telford boss Liam Watson looking at the bigger picture

It's safety first for the Bucks boss as he looks to establish his side in non-league's top flight, but he warned he may have to rebuild the team even if they survive.

Watson is aware Telford's part-time status might mean the division's bigger outfits sniffing around his star players should they impress.

He said: "I always look at a two-year cycle when joining the Conference Premier. In the first season, everyone is getting used to it and we find out who can step up.

"You can never tell, I've had people in the past who I thought were nailed on to do well and they haven't. Likewise, I have been unsure about some and they have made it.

"You get younger players, throw them in and that can cause problems. Once they flourish at part-time clubs, all of the bigger teams come calling and want to take them.

"Look at Halifax Town. Lee Gregory did great and got a move to Millwall, but they now have to replace a striker who scored 30 goals for them last season. It's not easy."

Warned

Watson has warned against expecting him to 'do a Southport' with Telford, who he led to seventh place in 2011-12 winning him the Non-League Manager of the Season award.

He said: "Of the games I looked at in the Premier last season, I didn't think the league was as strong as it has been but it's proved competitive, at the top and the bottom.

"But part-time clubs like Halifax did remarkably well last season. I know it's possible, as I have done it with Southport.

"But we had to break a club record for consecutive away wins that had lasted for 130 years to do that. It's the sort of run that you are not going to replicate every season.

"Momentum and confidence can't really build until you have got that first win on the board, but I certainly go into the season feeling optimistic."