Jon Royle out to prove his worth to AFC Telford

The 23-year-old midfielder was in and out of the side under Rob Edwards last season, making just 19 appearances.

New chief Gavin Cowan was quick to hand the Bucks’ longest-serving current player fresh terms, though, feeling he has the potential to be a key player next term.

“Working with him on the training pitch for the last couple of years, Gav has always been very professional,” said Royle.

“He’s very hands-on and likes to get the best out of people so it made sense to stay.

“Last season was frustrating. I started the season off really well, in the team, but then I didn’t play for quite a while. Then I was a bit in and out.

“I’m looking to really nail down a spot in the team this time around, help the club push forward. I think you always have a point to prove, you always have to look at it that way.

“Football doesn’t stand still – you’re only as good as your last game so I want to prove myself.”

Royle initially joined Telford on loan from Southport in September 2016.

His two campaigns at the New Bucks Head have been spent fighting off relegation so he is hoping it will be third time lucky.

“We’ve had a very disappointing couple of seasons,” said Royle. “The club, the fans, deserve so much better this time around and we’ll be doing our best to give them that.”

“We’re looking to push on, in the top half of the table and maybe in the mix for the play-offs.

“A few experienced lads have come in already.

“Having them around to help some of us younger players should only be a good thing.”

Royle rose through the ranks at Wrexham and has also played for Colwyn Bay and Hednesford Town.

He is one of 11 committed to the Bucks for next campaign – Ross White, Ellis Deeney, Amari Morgan-Smith, Shane Sutton, Henry Cowans, Darryl Knights, Theo Streete, Steph Morley, Daniel Udoh and Sheridan Martinez the others.