Carter confident freeze can be beat

Chairman Lee Carter is confident AFC Telford United can weather the worst of the big freeze without landing in financial hot water.

It is a headache which is being felt by football officials the length and breadth of the country as the heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures took their toll on today's games.

Only three games remain in the Championship - at Cardiff, Coventry and Derby County - and two in League One, at Leeds and Norwich. All games in League Two, including Shrewsbury, are postponed.

The Bucks last played at home on Boxing Day against Stafford Rangers, but are unsure when they will next be able to host a match at the New Bucks Head.

Tuesday's visit of Vauxhall Motors is off, while there is no guarantee of a thaw ahead of the visit of Farsley Celtic next weekend.

Even so, Carter is in relaxed mood.

"It must be hitting some clubs very hard," he said.

"If this cold spell extended until the end of January and we missed all three home games we have coming up, then it might become a bit of an issue - but I'm sure we'll get through.

"It must be harder for some clubs though, and you look at someone like Altrincham (in the Blue Square Premier) who have not played a home game since December 5.

"That must be putting a massive strain on their cash flow."

Meanwhile, assistant manager Larry Chambers has welcomed the return of Danny Carey-Bertram to the squad after his month on loan at Worcester.

"He didn't score while he was there, but the reports we've had from their manager are that he's done very well," said Chambers.

"They wanted to take him back for another month, but we feel he's ready to come back here.

"The change of environment has done him the world of good, and let's hope he comes back refreshed."

l The postponed New Year's Day game at Stafford Rangers has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, with a 7.45pm kick-off.