AFC Telford to take on Birmingham City and Walsall
AFC Telford United are lining up summer matches against Birmingham City and Walsall to help them prepare for a Conference North promotion push.
Blues have announced they will visit Shropshire on Tuesday, July 14, (7.30pm), while Walsall have confirmed they will be at the New Bucks Head a week later.
Manager Steve Kittrick will bring his squad back for pre-season training towards the end of June.
Asked how many friendlies he is aiming to secure for his team ahead of the big kick-off he said: "We are probably going to be looking at six or seven."
Kittrick yesterday made significant strides in his close-season recruitment drive with the capture of his first four summer signings.
Midfielder Sean Clancy has signed a new one-year deal, while defender John Disney, who joined last January, has been retained on non-contract terms. Former Witton Albion striker Neil Harvey and defender Mat Bailey have also been snapped up on non-contract terms.
Clancy, who will also help head up the club's new under-18 development squad, tweeted: "Delighted to have signed a new contract with Telford.
"Great club and great fans! Looking forward to my new additional role at the club also."
Bailey's capture will mark his return to Telford, whom he left last January after a brief non-contract spell.
The club helped the 29-year-old rehabilitate from a serious knee injury but he made just two starts before dropping down the leagues to join Nantwich Town.
Telford are also set to complete deals to keep defender Ian Sharps and midfielder Mike Grogan, while also offering terms to a centre forward and midfielder both at local Conference North clubs.
"The talks have gone well and hopefully Mike and Ian will put pen to paper next week," added Kittrick.
