Khela: Bucks plenty in reserve
Strength in depth is the secret to AFC Telford United's eye-catching start to the season, according to defender Indy Khela. Strength in depth is the secret to AFC Telford United's eye-catching start to the season, according to defender Indy Khela. The 23-year-old made his first appearance of the campaign in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Alfreton, a performance hailed by manager Rob Smith as the best so far. But such are the options available to him, that Khela is far from guaranteed to be selected again at Hyde United tomorrow. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star.
The 23-year-old made his first appearance of the campaign in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Alfreton, a performance hailed by manager Rob Smith as the best so far.
But such are the options available to him, that Khela is far from guaranteed to be selected again at Hyde United tomorrow.
Telford are one of just three sides, along with Kettering and Harrogate, who are still undefeated in Blue Square North.
But Hyde have also enjoyed an impressive start and former Kidderminster and Willenhall man Khela knows they will have to be at their best to return to Shropshire with their record in tact.
"I don't know what team the gaffer's going to pick, and he might change it around again to keep everyone on their toes," he admitted.
"But Hyde's going to be a tough game because they're flying and I've heard that their forwards are top drawer.
"I'm hoping I'll be involved again and I'll be looking to improve on Tuesday. It's a big game and we'll be looking for a big performance.
"Everyone's itching to play and confidence is really high at the moment. All the shirts are up for grabs and you just have to look at the bench on Tuesday to see the quality.
"It's all going better than we could have hoped for at the moment. Everything's new to us - we're having to get used to new teams and new systems.
"The new players have brought fresh ideas and more talent. No disrespect to last year's squad, but we've had players come in from a higher league and the standard of football has improved."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Steve Taylor insists his lack of match practice will not hamper him if he is called upon to deputise for the injured Ryan Young tomorrow.
Taylor has been signed on non-contract terms and is on standby to play. He has appeared in the last two reserve games for the Bucks, but has seen little other action since he was released by Kidderminster Harriers in the summer.
"I might feel a little rusty but I've been doing little bits and I think I'll be alright," he said.
"I've heard Ryan's knee is quite bad but it should be just the one game he's out for and he should be back by next Saturday.
"I haven't played much at all, so it will be nice to get out there again. I played the last eight games of last season for Kidderminster so I'm not worried about tomorrow at all."