AFC Telford close to landing a defender
AFC Telford United manager Steve Kittrick hopes to have 'one of two centre-backs' signed for the club early this week.
The Bucks boss, who spoke with an unnamed central defender after Friday's 4-2 defeat to Derby County, revealed that the player could be signed today.
The centre-half, who plays in the National League North, will look to shore up Kittrick's backline that appeared vulnerable for a short 15-minute spell against the rampant young Rams on Friday evening.
Ben Harrison and Mat Bailey are the only recognised centre-backs at New Bucks Head, although midfielder Mike Grogan and trialist Jeff Vernall played in the position against the Championship side.
Kittrick said: "We're a little bit further (after speaking with the player after the game).
"He played for his club on Saturday so we'll see how he does but hopefully come early next week he'll be our player."
Last week, the Bucks boss had described trying to add an experience defender to his rota like 'banging his head against a wall' – but it appears a breakthrough has been made.
If a deal is completed, the defender will be in line to make his debut in tomorrow's visit of Championship side Wolves.
And the New Bucks Head chief admitted he is satisfied with what he is learning about his charges over the pre-season weeks.
He said: "In an ideal world you'd like to get a National League club, because it's more the level you're going to be playing.
"But we've got another team that are going to be popping the ball off quickly so we are going to be organised and strong.
"Hopefully, we'll have one or two centre-halves in by Tuesday and the complexion of the team will change again.
"They (the new signings) have got to learn what we want. You can sit and beat yourself up all day over things but you have to take the positives out of it.
"We've got a lot of young lads that haven't played together. If we can get what we got for 35 minutes in the first-half for 85 or 90 minutes then we're going to win more than we're going to lose.
"We wanted the players to be able to sort things out themselves. Pre-season is all about seeing who your characters are and who can get you where you need to be.
"It took me four years to get it right at Guiseley, so it won't happen just like that."
