Bucks torment as Jones goes
Andy Jones has become the latest centre-back to check out of AFC Telford as the club's defensive difficulties continue to grow. Andy Jones has become the latest centre-back to check out of AFC Telford as the club's defensive difficulties continue to grow. Play our Fantasy Football game - click here Jones cited a lack of confidence as his reason for moving on, and the Bucks' patched-up rearguard fell to a 2-0 defeat at Marine in their latest pre-season outing on Saturday. Jones' departure follows the release of trialist Andy Tretton last Thursday. Wing-back Dean Craven and transfer-listed goalkeeper Stuart Brock are now the only players remaining from former manager Bernard McNally's time. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Jones cited a lack of confidence as his reason for moving on, and the Bucks' patched-up rearguard fell to a 2-0 defeat at Marine in their latest pre-season outing on Saturday.
Jones' departure follows the release of trialist Andy Tretton last Thursday.
Wing-back Dean Craven and transfer-listed goalkeeper Stuart Brock are now the only players remaining from former manager Bernard McNally's time.
"AJ phoned me up on Friday night and said he felt he was having a really bad time and needed a fresh start somewhere else," manager Rob Smith revealed.
"He didn't feel he was doing himself justice, and he's been having problems with his ankle too.
"He realises he's not performing, so his decision doesn't surprise me. He's struggling and he's way off where he needs to be."
Smith now has just four recognised centre-backs - Indy Khela, Richard Teesdale, Asa Charlton and Jimmy Turner - on his books less than a week before the start of the Blue Square North campaign.
Midfielder Carl Rodgers, an admirable stand-in for the UniBond play-offs last season, deputised in the position on Saturday and will do so again in tomorrow's final friendly away against The New Saints.
That shortage of options is forcing Smith to move back into the transfer market, with a new signing expected to arrive by Wednesday at the latest.
"We've got people we're talking to, and we're fairly close to doing one deal," said Smith. "I'm hoping to conclude it tomorrow. The lad I'm talking to is young, but he's just what we need."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Damien Stevens and youth teamer Lucas Bladen have both left the club - linking up with West Midlands League premier division side Shawbury United.
By Chris Hudson