Rob Smith excited by AFC Telford newbies
AFC TELFORD UNITED boss Rob Smith is delighted to have snapped up Ross White and Elliot Newby and insists 'they are both very good players'.
Right-back White, aged 21, joins the Bucks having spent last season at Southport, while winger Newby, also 21, comes from Barrow.
White used to play for Wales Under-17s and Wrexham, and Newby came through the ranks at Bolton Wanderers and played against Telford in National League North while on loan at Altrincham last term.
"I'm really pleased to be bringing the two of them in, they are both very good players," said Smith.
"Ross is a right-back or centre-half, really – he is an out-and-out defender.
"He is not one of those right-backs who is going to be marauding down the wing, but that's what we want.
"We have wingers, like Elliot, to do the attacking now for us. Ross is a good, solid defender with a great attitude."
Smith revealed Newby was actually one of the first players he and assistant boss Larry Chambers met with, back in early May, to discuss a potential move to the New Bucks Head.
"We spoke to Elliot, firstly, back in May. He is one of the first we spoke to – second I think, after Kieran (Dunbar)," he said.
"We met with him and we were waiting to hear back as he had an option to stay at Barrow, and several other clubs looking at him.
"I think what swung it our way was that we expressed our interest very early.
"Elliot really caught our eye, he has a lot of ability and is a massive signing for us. He's a player that should excite supporters."
Bringing Newby in means Telford have a lot of competition for places in wide areas.
Chekaine Steele and Luke Shaw have been brought in from Worcester City and Grantham Town respectively this summer.
Full-backs Jordan Gough, brought in from Brackley Town, and Curtis Strong, from Tamworth, can play on the wing, and Zak Lilly is also comfortable on the flank.
"I think all three of them – Elliot, Chekaine and Luke – are real crowd pleasers, and we could put Curtis Strong out on the wing or Jordan Gough as well," Smith added.
"We are really blessed now in wide areas, we have a lot of options which has not always been the case."
