Skipper happy at summer workout

Skipper Stuart Whitehead today hailed AFC Telford United's gruelling pre-season schedule - insisting it will stand them in good stead for the new campaign.

Injuries have seen the Bucks' 20-man squad stretched to breaking point in the last few weeks as they build up to Saturday's Blue Square North opener at Stalybridge Celtic.

Defenders Jimmy Turner and Simon Forsdick are yet to kick a ball while the likes of Asa Charlton and Lee Vaughan have been light on playing time.

That has meant the rest having to work doubly hard to get through the friendly fixture schedule - and Whitehead could not be happier.

"Considering we've had such a small squad we've played quite a lot of games and a few players have probably played more than the gaffer would ideally have liked," he admitted.

"But it's been needs must and that's had to happen.

"In the long run I think we're going to be a lot better for it because we're going to be a lot fitter come the start of the season and that will carry us on - especially around Christmas period - and stand us in good stead."

Whitehead, who was appointed captain over the summer, has also been happy with the side's form over the summer.

Telford have racked up wins against Stratford, Wellington Amateurs and Bridgnorth - and finished last weekend with a 4-1 demolition of League Two side Chester.

But he is old and wise enough to know that counts for little in terms of the likely outcome at Stratford.

"It was nice to score a few goals (against Chester), nice to limit them to a handful of chances, but it's going to be totally different on Saturday," said Whitehead.

"Stalybridge will be totally different opposition, they will play differently.

"We're not going to get carried away by the fact that we've played well. We're under no illusions that it will be a lot more difficult."

By Chris Hudson