Shropshire Star

Kieran Dunbar cannot wait to get started at AFC Telford

AFC Telford United's new midfielder Kieran Dunbar is raring to get going again in the division which 'brought back the enjoyment' – and hopes his all-action style will impress fans.

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Kieran Dunbar (right) playing for Stalybridge Celtic against AFC Telford last season

The 20-year-old cut his teeth in National League North last season with Stalybridge Celtic, and was swiftly brought in by Bucks boss Rob Smith for the upcoming campaign.

He is one of eight players announced so far for next season's squad, and spent time in the youth ranks of Birmingham City and Fleetwood Town prior to experiencing relegation with Celtic.

"I'm excited to start. I know it's a tough league, but I feel the manager has recruited well so far," said Dunbar.

"It was a good experience last season, obviously not good being relegated, but I feel I will grow from that. I feel like I learnt a lot there, and going through that at my age.

"Stalybridge are a good club and I wish them well, and now I'm looking forward to meeting up with the lads and getting started here."

Smith spoke after the end of last season of wanting to bring in young players with a point to prove – and Dunbar certainly fits the ball.

He feels swapping academy football for step two of non-league has done him the world of good, and said: "National league North brought back the enjoyment for me. Playing academy football, you can get a little bogged down in games that don't mean a lot.

"And it may be part-time, but its mens football and a chance to play at a good standard week in, week out. With people like Jamie Vardy as well, they have proved you can still progress.

"I grew up in Solihull and that's where I am from, so I am fairly local, and I'm just looking forward to playing for Telford."

On what the New Bucks Head faithful can expect from him, Dunbar revealed he is looking to chip in with a fair share of goals and added: "That's something I want to improve, chipping in with a few more goals. I would describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder.

"The main thing is that I won't give up, even when it's the 90th minute I won't stop running and will chase every ball.

"I hope Telford supporters will appreciate that, I'll give it my all."