Shropshire Star

Steve Palmer impressed by AFC Telford signings

Club legend Steve Palmer has praised new AFC Telford United boss Gavin Cowan’s early recruitment, stating: “They’ve pulled off a couple of coups.”

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The Bucks have 11 players signed up for next season including 30-year-olds Darryl Knights and Theo Streete, and 31-year-old Steph Morley.

Palmer played more than 260 games for Telford across two spells, winning promotion in his second after impressing for them in the Conference in his first, and feels those experienced additions can provide some stability.

“Gav and (assistant) Phil (Trainer) are probably working with a smaller budget than what was available last year, but they’ve brought in some experienced lads,” said the Bucks Hall of Fame member.

“They’ve got a few in, Daniel Udoh, who really impressed on loan at Halesowen Town, being one of them. They’ve pulled off a couple of coups already.

“You could argue some of the lads might be past their best, but you need that experience – these players know the league and what it’s all about.

“Having those kind of players can allow some of the younger players, like Udoh, to go out there and learn – have that guidance.

“They only went out and got that experience when things got desperate last season so it’s important to get that balance right from the start. Gav seems to have done a good job so far.”

Telford have spent the last three seasons at the wrong end of National League North.

Palmer, who is taking a break from the game after several years at AFC Wulfrunians, has warned fans not to expect miracles.

He feels a mid-table finish would be a successful first season in charge for Cowan and Trainer.

“I think fans know that it will be difficult again,” said Palmer.

“There’s still some very good teams in the division. Kidderminster are a good side and you’ve got Hereford that have come up – every week is going to be a big game.

“Mid-table is probably as much as fans can ask for, really – more of a steady season.

“If Gav and Phil have finished mid-table come April, I think they’ll look back on that as a successful season.”