Gavin Cowan looking to trim AFC Telford numbers
AFC Telford United boss Gavin Cowan is not far away from completing his summer business as he aims to have a tight-knit squad.
The Bucks had 22 players feature in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Aston Villa – five of those were trialists and another was youth team standout Harry Walker.
Cowan insists it would be unrealistic, both financially and in trying to keep everyone happy, to continue with that number.
He has 16 players tied down and it is thought he would like to sign a full-back, winger and a goalkeeper to be content.
“The budget isn’t going to allow us to work with that sort of number,” said Cowan.
“Where we are at the moment is a luxurious position, in terms of that we’ve got a few places which need filling – and these lads are really eager to play for the football club.
“That’s what I want, I want players who want to be here and are desperate to play for the club.
“They’re expressing that at the moment and doing a really good job.
“At the moment we’ve got the luxury of having 22. As it goes on, though, a few will fall by the wayside.”
The five who have not signed but played against Villa were Jack Rea, Matthew Barnes-Homer, Tyler Lyttle, Jud Ellis and Callum Preston.
Joe Cuff, who featured in friendlies at Ellesmere Rangers and Market Drayton Town, had been told beforehand he would not be getting a deal.
Midfielder Rea used to be Telford’s skipper but was hampered by a series of injuries before being let go in January. He ended last term at former Bucks boss Rob Smith’s Hednesford Town.
Centre forward Barnes-Homer was also with Telford last season. He scored in their opening day 1-0 win at York City but did not find the net again before he left towards the end of the campaign.
On if those two could start this coming season with the Bucks, Cowan added: “To be honest, we haven’t even put the pressure on ourselves to have that discussion.
“They’ve just asked to come in and get fitness, and that’s what I’m doing for them.
“I know them both personally, they’re both great lads and can only be a positive influence around the place.
“There’s no pressure on it. If they call me up one day and say they’ve got a deal somewhere, best of luck to them.”
