Curtis Tilt is 'tailor made' for AFC Telford

The 23-year-old defender yesterday agreed to join the Bucks from Smith's former club Hednesford Town.

Tilt only joined the Pitmen from Halesowen Town in the summer and Smith, who returned to manage the Bucks last week, has been impressed with how quickly the centre-back adapted to life at a higher level.

He said: "We took him on board and did not know how he would adapt to it, but he's tailor-made for this level. A big strong lad, honest, he could go higher.

"He has a fantastic attitude and nips in with the odd goal, too."

Tilt becomes the Bucks' third signing since Smith and assistant Larry Chambers re-joined a week ago. Smith has, meanwhile, warned midfielder Izak Reid he must become a "90 minute" player.

The winger claimed the Man of the Match prize in Monday's 2-0 win over Brackley Town, scoring one and making another for team-mate Sean Clancy.

But Smith was less than impressed with the way Reid's performance dipped after the break and he has called on the 28-year-old to show more consistency.

He said: "Izak knows what I think of him, he's in and out too much. He has got to stay in the game. I thought in the second-half on Monday he didn't offer us much.

"He should have buried the game but he certainly has something and is a match-winner."

Reid had been playing at right-back under former boss Steve Kittrick, but is now being utilised in a more advanced position.

Smith said: "He has got pace and is a dangerous player. We want to get him higher up the pitch. His pace caused havoc, but I thought he went missing in the second-half."