Rob Smith: AFC Telford's pre-season is absolutely massive
Boss Rob Smith has laid down the gauntlet to the AFC Telford United squad ahead of pre-season and warned not all is set in stone.
The Bucks have their first pre-season training session tomorrow night and are set to welcome several trialists.
They also have seven friendlies before the National League North campaign starts, against the likes of Aston Villa, Shrewsbury Town and Wolves Under-23s – and the first is at Haughmond on Saturday, July 8.
Sessions are expected to be very demanding, and Smith said: "We start pre-season training tomorrow. It's going to be an absolutely massive pre-season.
"We have a lot of players in already, and there will be at least six or seven more training with us looking to impress and get signed."
Telford also have friendlies against Wolverhampton Sporting, a West Midlands Premier side where striker Dan Westwood was signed from, Hereford and Caenarfon Town.
They have announced 17 signings so far this summer as they look to go much better in the league after successive relegation battles.
The Bucks's latest captures were former Wales Under-17 right-back Ross White and ex-Bolton Wanderers winger Elliot Newby – both announced on Friday – and the likes of Ben Bailey, Joe Fitzpatrick and Jon Royle remain from last campaign.
While Smith is still on the lookout for an out-and-out centre forward, to make up for the losses of veterans Lee Hughes and Dave Hibbert, there appears to be a good balance to the squad as it currently stands at a goalkeeper, seven defenders, six midfielders and three forwards.
Despite 17 being signed up for the new term, the Bucks chief is aware things may change due to trialists coming in and potentially impressing – and he may have to make some tough decisions.
"Pre-season is going to determine a lot, and there may be a few changes between now and the start of the season," said Smith.
"I think it is going to be interesting. I know there is a lot of ability in the squad, and players who are excited and keen to get going, but this is where they need to impress.
"I think the squad is shaping up nicely but it's about us finding the winning mentality in the squad for when the season starts, that's the main thing."
