Rob Edwards: AFC Telford players have to step up

The Bucks are second from bottom and suffered a 3-0 loss at home to Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night.

When asked if that defeat proved new signings are needed, Edwards said: “We’re not Manchester City, we can’t go out and sign loads of players.

“We haven’t got the money for it. We’ve got how many now – 20, 21 or 22 in the squad.

“It’s just not do-able. It’d be great if we could go and sign whoever, but it’s not that easy.

“We’ve tried with certain players but, you know, you can’t just go out and get whoever you want – especially us. We can’t really do that.”

Telford have made three signings in the past couple of weeks – snapping up keeper Ben Wilson and forwards Amari Morgan-Smith and John McAtee.

Supporters have wanted experienced centre-half to be brought in for a few months, though. The club have been trying to get someone in, to no avail.

Some positive news on the player front is two players are likely to return from injury for the Bucks’ trip to Tamworth on Saturday.

Winger Elliot Newby and midfielder Jon Royle have been out with hamstring and quad injuries respectively over the last few weeks.

They have made good progress this week, and Edwards said: “Elliot feels better, he’s done some work.

“Jon is feeling stronger as well. We’ll have to see, time will tell.”

Another aiming to return the fold at the weekend is Max Leonard, who was left out Tuesday’s squad.

Edwards has challenged the attacker – yet to score for Telford – to step his game up, along with the rest of the squad.

He added: “Players have got to really push to be selected.

“Max is someone who is very talented, but we need to see more than talent.

“It’s not just him, there’s a number of players who have got an opportunity now – we have just lost 3-0.

“There’s a number of players who will be standing up and, hopefully, working hard in training to stake a claim.”