AFC Telford wait on a new centre-back

The Bucks are set to lose two centre-backs this summer – Ian Sharps went to Chester, while the board have agreed an undisclosed fee for the sale of Neill Byrne to Macclesfield.

Their departures will leave youngsters Ben Harrison and Mat Bailey as the only centre-backs.

But Kittrick has made several enquiries and is confident he will sign an experienced stopper by the time the season starts on August 8.

The Bucks chief said: "Experience tells me something will come up. Players are going through pre-season and seeing if they can get a deal.

"We need that experience at centre-back to work with the two players we've already got there.

"They're both inexperienced at this level, but I'm confident we'll get someone in of the right experience.

"If we can do that now then great, but if not then we might have to go into the season with the two young lads in place.

"But there will be an experienced defender somewhere who will be looking for a deal and will come to Telford as his second option. Once he's here, will give 100 per cent to the cause."

Kittrick is targeting Conference players, but admits Telford's current status a division below is not helping.

He said: "If the lads we're talking to want to play Conference football then that's more of an attraction than it is to come here.

"It's frustrating because we're a good club, but we are where we are."

Kittrick is also poised to add up to three more signings this week, trialists who have impressed in pre-season training.

One, former Shrewsbury Town academy striker Niall Flint, is on a week's trial at Scottish Premier League side Ross County.