Telford boss defends Ian Sharps' exit
AFC Telford have defended themselves over the exit of defender Ian Sharps as they snapped up goalscoring midfielder Danny O'Callaghan.
Experienced Sharps has accepted an offer to join Conference National side Chester, after verbally agreeing to stay at the New Bucks Head.
But the 34-year-old defender's acceptance of Telford's offer was conditional on securing a coaching role at Walsall, which fell through.
He had hoped to join the Saddlers coaching staff, while continuing to play part-time for the Bucks.
Telford have been criticised on social media for failing to keep the popular stopper and John Disney after both had initially agreed to stay, Disney rejoining Hednesford.
But manager Steve Kittrick said: "People have to understand it was a no-brainer for Ian.
"If he'd have had the coaching job he wanted with the League One club, he would have signed for us.
"When he didn't get the role he was going for, it changed his perspective so it would be wrong of us to say he was going back on his word when he has a family to support, and he appreciated us saying that.
"Ian is top drawer and rang me to say: I haven't got the job I wanted in League One and I've been offered full-time football at a Conference club and I want to take it.'
"He was very humble about the situation. He had agreed to sign for us but he had a better offer and he has a family to look after."
Meanwhile, Kittrick is delighted to have signed Josh Brizzell and O'Callaghan.
The Bucks boss added: "My teams have gone up against Josh a couple of times at Hyde and he's a quality player, who has been their captain and Player of the Season."
Midfielder O'Callaghan, 25, scored 14 goals for Sutton Coldfield Town last season.
