AFC Telford still planning to go full-time
AFC Telford United interim chairman Andy Pryce has affirmed plans for the squad to go full-time next season.
The Bucks, under Rob Edwards, have regularly trained four times a week this season – Monday and Friday afternoons at Wolves' Compton Park complex, and Tuesday and Thursday nights at Lilleshall Sports Centre.
Not all players can make the sessions at Compton, though.
And, confident of staying in National League North despite starting today in the relegation zone, Pryce insists following in the footsteps of the likes of Kidderminster Harriers is what must happen to compete at the other end of the table.
"There has been plans put in place to go full-time and increase budgets if we can, next year," he said at a fans' forum.
"Full-time is what we want to do. We have to do that to try to start to compete (at the top end of the table).
"We do plan to go full-time and get a better squad together.
"But we have to look at today. Rob's wish-list is unbelievable, trust me.
"Rob is working his backside off to try to build the squad."
When asked by a supporter about the club's plans for the next five years, Pryce said: "A five-year plan, we're baby steps into that – to get back into the Conference.
"We want to get in that Conference Premier and make a fist of it – when we get there, we can stay there.
"Off the pitch, we've got to try to grow."
One thing the club is looking to sort out is the New Bucks Head pitch after a spate of postponements over the last couple of months.
"It's always been the case, the pitch hasn't been the best for god knows how many years," said Pryce.
"Starting on May 14, there's a fairly substantial renovation. The pitch is being sorted.
"We've had cameras up the drains, everything, but something isn't quite right.
"It hurts us a club, but we can't help it."
On if installing an artificial surface, like league rivals Tamworth and Harrogate Town, has ever been considered, Pryce said: "Personally, I don't think football at this level should be played on astro turf.
"It's nothing that I would even consider at this moment. I don't see the benefit in it."
Pryce was also asked about what the club is doing to address falling home gates.
Adult matchday tickets currently cost £14.
"If we're winning every week, we'd easily have 1,500," added Pryce.
"We're worse off, by far, by going £10 a ticket. We will try anything to increase our crowds."
