Shropshire Star

Gavin Cowan: Ball in Dwayne Samuels’ court over AFC Telford return

Boss Gavin Cowan says the ball is in Dwayne Samuels' court over a potential return to AFC Telford United.

Published

Former Bucks fan favourite Samuels has expressed an interest in getting back into the game after taking a year-long break.

The 27-year-old right-back stated on Twitter he would say yes if the Telford chief 'calls me and invites me down for pre season', but Cowan said: "I've not spoke to him.

"If he wants to be part of the football club again, he can call me.

"If he wants to put in the phone call, I'll happily speak to him and have an open conversation."

Samuels made 41 appearances in his final season with the Bucks – the 2016/17 campaign – and 28 the season prior.

The West Bromwich Albion youth product also played for Telford in the 2011/12 term, and had spells at Harrogate Town and Brackley Town before ending up at the New Bucks Head again in 2015.

John Psaras, who was in the running to become the club's manager before Cowan was given the role, said last month he would have made Samuels and Darryl Knights his first summer signings. Knights has since joined from Tamworth.

Cowan is already fairly well-stocked in defence, having skipper Shane Sutton, Dom Smith and Theo Streete as centre-halves, left-back Steph Morley and Ross White who is capable of playing anywhere at the back.

But he does want to have every position covered twice, meaning there could be a spot for Samuels.

"Dwayne decided to have a year out and it's not for me to chase him," added Cowan.

"I got on well with him when he was here. He's a great lad, a friend.

"But if he's eagerly awaiting a phone call, he's going to be waiting for a long time. The ball is in his court."

Telford have 13 players tied down for next season.

The latest recruit was midfielder James McQuilkin, who joined after turning down fresh terms at Kidderminster Harriers.

He had a brief spell with the Bucks in 2015.