AFC Telford United make double swoop including former Shrewsbury defender

AFC Telford United have bolstered their squad with the signing of experienced former Shrewsbury defender Mal Benning and Solihull Moors winger Kian Ryley.

The Bucks agreed terms with 32-year-old left-back Benning, who arrives at the SEAH Stadium with more than 500 professional appearances under his belt, and 21-year-old wide man Ryley on the eve of their trip to Scarborough.

Benning brings considerable EFL experience to Kevin Wilkin's squad as Telford look to improve on their poor start to the National League North campaign.

The defender began his career at Walsall, progressing through the Saddlers' academy before breaking into the first team.

After a loan spell with York City, he left Walsall for Mansfield Town in 2015 and spent six seasons with the Stags.

Benning moved to Port Vale in 2021 and helped the club win promotion to League One through the play-offs during his first season.

He enjoyed a particularly memorable afternoon at Wembley in the 2022 League Two play-off final, scoring the third goal as Vale beat his former club Mansfield 3-0 to secure promotion.

Benning subsequently joined Shrewsbury Town in 2023 and made 116 appearances across three seasons at the Croud Meadow.

He left Salop at the end of the 2025/26 campaign and has now made the short move across Shropshire to Telford.

Capable of operating as either a left-back or left wing-back, Benning adds another experienced option to Telford’s back line, which has been hit by a long-term injury to left back Jordan Cranston.

Ryley arrives at The SEAH Stadium on a months-long loan from national League side Solihull Moors having previously gained experience temporarily at Hereford, Mickleover, Stourbridge, Brackley and Rushall Olympic.