Jamie Vermiglio: Telford will thrive
Former AFC Telford United star Jamie Vermiglio is backing his former side to get themselves out of trouble following their recent financial difficulties.
The National League North side announced that they needed to raise £25,000 by the end of October and the same again last month in order to continue operating at their current level.
Vermiglio, who spent just under three years at the New Bucks Head and is now assistant manager at league rivals Chorley, said: "It's tough for any club who go through a season and get to a point where they realise things aren't going as they planned.
"But they have got good people around them at Telford United.
"I know quite a few of them; they have got Rob Smith and Larry Chambers back and it's a kind of a club that when their backs are against the wall then everyone pulls together.
"I'm sure that they will come through and everything will be positive again.
"I know it's easy saying that and they need to put those words into action. However, they have got the right people around the club to turn it around."
Vermiglio joined the Bucks from Scarborough in 2007, leaving for then league rivals Northwich Victoria in 2010 following a loan spell back at Chorley, his old club.
He was part of the Telford squad which reached two play-offs, an FA Trophy semi-final and FA Cup first round which saw them draw 2-2 with Southend at the New Bucks Head before losing the replay.
Looking back on his time at Telford, Vermiglio said: "I always look to see how they are getting on and I always relish the challenge of returning to the New Bucks Head.
"It's been great last season and this season playing against them. Alongside my time at current club Chorley, probably my fondest memories are at Telford United. I probably played the best I had ever played in the short time I was there.
"We had a couple of good cup runs and we had a good squad. So I will always look out for them."
Smith and Chambers were in charge then, too, and Vermiglio praised his old bosses for the work they have done since their return to the New Bucks Head 16 months ago.
He said: "Rob and Larry have done well; they returned when things weren't going good and saved them from relegation.
"This season he has put together a good side and they are competing in every game.
"You know what you are getting when you turn up against a Rob and Larry side. They are always up for it, hard-working and have good team talks.
"They have done well this season. In a tough league they have some financial restrictions and so considering that is going on then they are doing OK."
Vermiglio was particularly grateful for Telford's 2-0 win over promotion chasers Darlington 1883 – that result, along with Chorley's 4-1 win over Gloucester City, helped the Magpies up to second place.
He added: "Yeah, they did a massive favour; I spoke before and after the game and said 'Thank you very much, Rob'!
"But they have a decent side and got some players who have played at this level and the level above.
"They have also made a couple of signings in the last couple of weeks. I'm sure the squad will go from strength to strength.
"It's tough with the budget, the contracted players and the non-contract players. Rob has a good 11 or 12 and he has just got to keep them happy."