Bucks battle to keep Hay

Bromsgrove have served seven days' notice to speak to the 30-year-old, pictured, who has formed a strong partnership with leading scorer Steve Foster at the New Bucks Head.

Smith is desperate to hold on to a player he rates as one of the most valuable in his squad, and is calling on supporters to get behind the marksman, who has come in for some flak at times.

"For the last four years I've had seven days in for him from Bromsgrove," Smith revealed.

"It's like Christmas - once a year I get another seven days in from them and it's getting a bit stupid really, but they obviously think they're going to get him.

"I hope our fans realise he's an integral part of what we do here and I do wish they would show appreciation of him a little bit more.

"He's an intense character and feels he needs to be loved. He's had a lot of flak here, most of it unjustified, and he doesn't take criticism too well. That's why he left Halesowen. If he feels he's not wanted somewhere, he'll walk away.

"For me, he's one of the most important players in our team and if I was to lose him it would break my heart," the Bucks boss added.

"I don't think it'll happen. He's a Telford player and he knows we want him here but I'll speak to him tonight (at training)."

Meanwhile, Telford's trip to Lincoln United a week on Saturday has been postponed and they will now travel to Prescot Cables instead, with UniBond League bosses reshuffling fixtures around the FA Cup third qualifying round.

"Whitby were without a game so they're playing Lincoln instead," said Smith. "But the only thing that confuses me is when do we go to Lincoln? If it's a Tuesday night then that's unfair.

"It's too little notice as well, because we have scouts watching games and we've planned for playing Lincoln."

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