AFC Telford in talks to keep star winger
AFC Telford United are in talks to keep Elliot Newby at the club – while waiting to hear back on a contract offer to Dom Smith.
Newby grabbed a hat-trick of gongs as the Bucks’ end-of-season awards in April including supporters’ player of the year.
The 22-year-old winger scored seven goals in 38 games, while former Shrewsbury Town defender Smith impressed alongside skipper Shane Sutton at the heart of defence towards the end of the campaign.
“We’ve got to find something that suits Elliot and suits us,” said Telford chief Gavin Cowan.
“We know he is good enough, that’s not in doubt, but we’ve had a few conversations and talks are ongoing.”
On Smith, he added: “An offer has been put to Dom and we haven’t heard back off him as of yet.”
It is believed the stumbling block in negotiations with Newby is where he is based. Born and raised in Barrow, he was in digs near Telford last season.
His twin brother Alex plays for National League North rivals Chorley.
Smith joined the Bucks in March after his deal at Town was ended early by mutual consent.
The 22-year-old played 12 times under Rob Edwards, scoring once.
Telford are also in discussions with forward Jordan Murphy over fresh terms.
The former Walsall man chipped in with seven goals across all competitions last term, but only made five starts in the league.
Cowan has confirmed goalkeeper Ben Wilson will not be returning to the club on a permanent basis.
He spent the second half of last season as the Bucks’ No.1 while on loan from Cardiff City, where his contract recently expired, but someone ‘more local’ is on the club’s wishlist – to compete with the returning Sheridan Martinez.
“We have to be realistic. Ben’s a good goalkeeper but with our location and our budget, I don’t think we could stretch to that,” said Cowan.
“Travelling the length and breadth of the country, he wouldn’t be at his best.
“It’s nothing to do with the lad’s ability, we’re just looking more local.”
Meanwhile, Telford under-18s player Jack Downing has joined Stourport Swifts on a season-long loan.
The Bucks are also heading to Shawbury United on Thursday, July 19 for the Shropshire FA Huddersfield Cup final (8pm).
