Shake-up for AFC Telford
Steve Kittrick has continued his AFC Telford overhaul by allowing one player to leave, transfer-listing five others and bagging a new keeper.
Kittrick has overseen a dramatic improvement at The New Bucks Head since replacing Liam Watson with the Bucks losing just one of their last six Conference Premier games – climbing off the foot of the table in the process and igniting hopes of beating the drop.
And now he is making moves to reshape his squad with player/coach Andy Todd joining Conference North side Hednesford Town while young keeper Callum Preston has arrived on loan from Birmingham City.
Todd, who was in caretaker charge alongside Andy Pryce for a brief spell following Watson's departure, had fallen down the pecking order with the return to fitness of Sean Clancy.
In addition to Todd's departure, Sean Cooke, keeper Jonathan Hedge, Charlie Barnett, Kristian Platt and Andy Owens have all officially been placed on the transfer list.
Kittrick made it clear that Cooke had no future at the club following a recent bust-up after the midfielder refused to take part in a warm down following last week's 3-3 draw at Eastleigh.
But the other moves show Kittrick's desire to piece together his own side.
He pulled off a coup earlier in the week by landing former Shrewsbury Town centre-half Ian Sharps from Burton Albion. And Kittrick has wasted no time installing the experienced Sharps as the new skipper.
"The lads have said he is a great talker and he will get about people," said Kittrick. "His experience will help push us on and win games."
"When one or two players are frightened to be where they are in games, his experience will show them there is no need to be frightened.
"He will help us get tight and tough. He will be tight and he will tough and he will talk to players.
"He's raring to go. He wants to play and I believe he will make a big impact."
Keeper Preston went straight into Bucks' squad for today's clash with Dartford and will provide competition and cover for No.1 Freddy Hall.
The 19-year-old, who has previously been on loan at Conference North side Worcester City, has played for the Bucks against Blues in a friendly on Wednesday night.
"He's a talented lad rated highly by Birmingham," Kittrick said.
"The experience of coming here to be in a first-team environment here will be good for him."
