Matt Barnes-Homer added to AFC Telford backroom staff

Veteran forward Barnes-Homer, 32, has been appointed striker coach after finding game time hard to come by for the Bucks.

And it is hoped the move can help marquee signing Marcus Dinanga, top scorer Daniel Udoh, Amari Morgan-Smith and Andre Brown get the goals needed to sustain a National League North play-off push.

"They're being mentored by Matt really well," said Cowan, who brought Barnes-Homer back to Telford last summer.

"By myself as well obviously, but Matt is sort of a member of staff now – well, he is a member of staff.

"I've brought him into the staff, and he mentors them really well.

"He keeps all of them on their toes as he's got a ruthless mentality, like myself.

"It's good to have good people like that around the club."

Barnes-Homer has forged a reputation as one of the most respected frontmen in non-league over the past decade.

He was prolific for Kidderminster Harriers between 2007 and 2010 and also scored at a regular rate for both Luton and Macclesfield.

The Dudley-born target man has also played in the United States and Sweden.

He initially joined Telford during Rob Edwards' reign and was let go, before returning as a trialist under Cowan.

Cowan was impressed enough to sign Barnes-Homer, and says he has been 'phenomenal around the group' since.

The Bucks chief also stressed Barnes-Homer is still considered a member of the playing squad, as well as a member of the coaching staff.

"It was a conscious decision from myself because when he wasn't getting minutes as a player, he was just phenomenal around the group," added Cowan.

"And he's earned that. He's brilliant.

"He's another who has earned my trust but, make no mistake, in training, he's a real handful.

"And if needed, he's ready to come into the squad.

"He's chomping at me all the time, 'get me in gaffer, any chance', so he's in both camps at the moment."