AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan believes Elliot Newby will stay

Newby grabbed a hat-trick of gongs at 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 and fans have been hoping to see him commit for at least another season.

“As far as I know, Elliot is coming back in,” said Cowan, who has 13 players tied down for next term. I haven’t heard anything from him to say otherwise.”

Newby, from Barrow, is a product of Bolton Wanderers’ youth set-up.

He has also played for Burscough, Barrow and Altrincham, and his twin brother Alex plays on the wing for National League North rivals Chorley.

Telford are yet to bring in an out-and-out winger – newcomer Darryl Knights can operate from either flank, but Cowan sees him as a No.10.

Newby is regarded as one of the best widemen that the division has to offer, and Cowan said: “We’ve spoke and given him a training programme for before pre-season starts, which he’s been doing.

"He’s down on my list of players to be back involved and he hasn’t told me any different so that’s where we’re at.”

Talks with Jordan Murphy are continuing. The former Walsall striker only made five league starts last campaign.

Meanwhile, Cowan insists he has been a long-term admirer of new arrival James McQuilkin.

The 29-year-old midfielder turned down fresh terms at Kidderminster Harriers to return the Bucks, after a brief spell with the club in 2015.

He made 40 appearances for Harriers last season, scoring four goals.

“It was a surprise to get him,” said Cowan.

“I’ve been a fan from afar for a number of seasons – he is a quality player.

“Some of the players have been vocal about wanting to be a part of the way I want us to play.

"Ultimately, players want to be wanted. It’s about getting players to buy into something, getting the right characters.”