Steve Palmer sees play-offs for AFC Telford

Palmer captained Telford to promotion in his second spell after impressing for them in the Conference in his first.

He's been the boss of AFC Wulfrunians in the Midland League Premier Division for the last four years.

The Telford Hall of Fame member has led them to seventh and 13th in the league in the last two years, plus the fourth round of the FA Vase last term.

His side faced the Bucks in a friendly at Castlecroft Stadium last week, with Rob Smith's men winning 3-0.

After seeing Telford's new-look side in action, Palmer predicts they will be at the other end of the table this campaign.

He said: "I think they are a team that is going to be top six, top five in that league this year.

"They seem to me a team that can play but also have got a bit of size, a bit of bulk and a bit of nastiness about them which they can go to.

"Also don't forget they have got Rob and Larry (Chambers) as well, who will know how you go away to places and get points."

National League North looks particularly tricky this season with the likes of AFC Fylde, Halifax and Kidderminster Harriers highly fancied for promotion.

Teams such as Salford City, Boston, Stockport County and Darlington are also expected to achieve high finishes.

Palmer acknowledges Telford will need to show a lot of grit to challenge for those much-desired play-off spots, and feels they now have what it takes after some astute signings this summer.

He admitted: "You're not going to win by only playing nice football in that league. Sometimes you have to dig in, just be horrible, and that is what they will make sure they can do.

"For me, and I really hope so obviously as well, they'll be a team that finishes in the top five, at the very least."