Curtis Tilt is ready to go for AFC Telford

The 24-year-old centre-back, who made the move from Hednesford Town earlier this week, admitted he had never visited the New Bucks Head before meeting boss Rob Smith on Tuesday night to sign the deal.

Tilt was signed by Smith and assistant Larry Chambers for the Pitmen over the summer but has followed in the duo's footsteps to Telford, becoming their third signing since returning to the club last week.

The Rushall-based defender, who has risen through the non-league divisions with Gornal Athletic and then Halesowen Town, admitted the chance to join them was a key reason behind the move.

He said: "It wasn't an easy decision, not by any stretch of the imagination. But I know Rob and Larry and I know how they work, so it did help in my decision."

Tilt is poised to make his Bucks debut in tomorrow's game at bottom club Bradford Park Avenue and can't wait to get started.

Smith has, meanwhile, heaped praise on young goalkeeper James Montgomery and tipped the 20-year-old for a bright future in the game.

Montgomery's mistake cost the Bucks the only goal in last weekend's defeat at Gloucester City.

But he bounced back to make a crucial penalty save in Monday's win over Brackley Town, prompting praise from his manager.

Smith said: "James made a mistake, he held his hands up to it and you know, he has character because he comes out and keeps coming for things.

"It's what you want off a goalkeeper. I think he is great. I have not had a keeper like him for years. It was a tremendous save from the penalty.

"I am having him. He is my type of goalkeeper. He comes for things and I like keepers who come for things.

"He has a good character and is big and strong. Without doubt (he has great potential). He is going to make mistakes but he is generally positive and I have no problem at all with him."