AFC Telford boss Rob Smith ready to look closer to home

The Bucks boss is in the process of meeting potential signings after Connor McCarthy and Josh Wilson were the latest of last season’s squad to leave the club this week.

And Smith thinks that despite Telford and their Midland neighbours sitting low down on the list of big-payers, there is still talent to be tapped into in the region.

“Location is a big thing, a bit more of a local squad could help,” said Smith.

“It definitely helps. Having fewer logistical problems and less travel issues getting to training and things like that helps. But it’s not always easy. You need to get the right people and there’s a lot of choice (for players).”

The Bucks have so far tied down Wolverhampton-based Ben Bailey and Sandwell-born Joe Fitzpatrick.

Fans’ favourite Dwayne Samuels, who is yet to commit his future, and forward Dan Westwood, who will train with the Bucks this summer, are both from Wolverhampton – while goalkeeper Ash Rawlins is from Arleston.

Defender Paul McCone, who previously played for Hednesford Town and Stourbridge, is also West Midlands-based.

“The Midlands clubs are nowhere near the richest, surprisingly, you look at clubs like Tamworth and Hednesford and they’re nowhere near the big-payers.

“But there’s still talent. The ability is absolutely still in the area, but there is so much competition.”

“It’s very difficult, every player has five or six options in for them.”

Smith and assistant boss Larry Chambers have targeted talent in the north-west as they look to spread their net.

The likes of Scousers McCarthy, Wilson and John-Paul Kissock, Mancunians Luca Havern and Jack Rea, and Blackpool born and bred Luke Higham all featured for Telford last season.

And Smith conceded that those sort of places have considerably more pulling power through financial means – but refused to rule out the option of attracting more players from up north.

“We’re tried to tap into the north-west, and that is do-able – I would not rule out us using that again,” the boss added.

“I think the riches are up north, the big money players, the north-west and places like Newcastle and Yorkshire.”