Shropshire Star

Dwayne Samuels and Elliot Newby report for AFC Telford training

Former fan favourite Dwayne Samuels and out-of-contract winger Elliot Newby have both reported for pre-season at AFC Telford United.

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Dwayne Samuels

Samuels, who has had a year-long break from the game, and last season’s star man Newby were among those who trained at Telford College last night.

Bucks boss Gavin Cowan is willing to be patient with both players and on 27-year-old right-back Samuels, who expressed an interest in making a return to the club on Twitter last month, he said: “He’s here.

“I think he contacted the whole of Shropshire and then finally got round to me.

“When he finally got round to me, I was happy to have a discussion with him.

“He’s been a great lad. He’s been away for a year so there is nothing concrete, but I really like him.

“I think he could potentially be a good player if he gets back to where he was.

“He just wants to come in for a bit of fitness and because I know he’s a great lad around the group, I’m happy to offer that.

“If anything comes of it, great. There’s no loss, really.

“Dwayne has come to get a bit of fitness, get back into the vibe again, and I’m happy to offer that.”

Samuels made 41 appearances in his final season with the Bucks – the 2016/17 campaign – and 28 the season prior. The West Bromwich Albion youth product also played for Telford in the 2011/12 term.

Elliot Newby

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, who was at Bolton Wanderers as a teenager, scored seven goals in 38 games last campaign and is regarded as one of the best widemen in National League North.

“He’s here and we’ll take it day-to-day,” said Cowan.

“I’ve had a good chat with him and he seems to have had a nice break.

“I’ve just said to him to keep communicating with me. He’s not a bad lad.”