Shane Sutton keen to remain at AFC Telford

The 29-year-old stopper is one of many Bucks players who are set for crunch talks with boss Rob Edwards.

He made 41 appearances in National League North last season, scoring three goals.

When asked if he sees himself at the New Bucks Head next term, Sutton said: “Yes. We will all be having meetings soon at the ground, I’m just waiting for a text on when it will be.

“I know that a few of the players, like Dom, want to stay on for next season too.

“There seems to be a good core there that can go and be more competitive next season, hopefully me being a part of that.”

Sutton spent the final few months of the campaign playing alongside Smith at the heart of the defence.

The two both progressed through the youth ranks at Shrewsbury, and Sutton feels the partnership has made him a better player.

Smith signed on a short-term deal after leaving Salop in March.

“Since he’s come in, my game has got better as well,” said Sutton.

“I think Dom has just come in and been solid – wins his headers, does all the basics right.

“Having him alongside you, it makes your job that much easier.”

Still to be determined is whether Telford will become a full-time outfit. Edwards is set to sit down with Andy Pryce to discuss whether the move is viable.

The Bucks made a big step towards being full-time by training four times a week last campaign – Tuesday and Thursday nights, Monday and Friday afternoons.

Not all of the players were able to make those extra sessions at Compton Park on Mondays and Fridays, though.

Sutton was one of those, due to running a barber shop,but insists going full-time would not dash his plans to remain at Telford.

If Edwards wants to keep him, the former Newtown man will make it work.

“There’s stuff about us going full-time and that should be OK.

“The manager has been good to me and it should be fine.”