AFC Telford boss Gavin Cowan admits Adam Walker deal was a surprise

The Bucks made the experienced 28-year-old their second new signing of the summer after pacy winger Chris Lait checked in from Tamworth.

Cowan, who knew former team-mate Walker from the duo’s Nuneaton and Solihull days, admitted the capture is a coup for the New Bucks Head club.

But the Telford chief admitted the opportunistic move to bring in Walker was not pre-planned and more about enticing the midfielder with the club’s plans. “I did not imagine we’d get him. It was unexpected,” said Cowan.

“He wanted a fresh challenge and I was the first to call him so it was a no-brainer.

“Numerous clubs wanted to get him but he wanted to come to us.

“He’s got a good job and he wants to throw it all into his football.

“I’ve known Adam a long time. We’ve stayed in touch and spoke regularly with most of the players from those Nuneaton and Solihull days before I went into coaching and he went on to Brackley.

“He’s a great lad. He’ll be brilliant in the changing room and he knows what it (success) takes. He is a coup for us. “He’s a physical specimen. He’s ruthless and has won the league a couple of times and worst case tends to end up in the play-offs.”

Cowan, who has a 14-man squad at this stage with 12 players re-signing alongside the two new faces, is in talks with other targets but foresees no more imminent new arrivals.

However, the boss suggested that one more member of last season’s squad that just fell short of the National North play-offs is set to remain on board.

Only attackers Brendon Daniels, Amari Morgan-Smith and wanted man Daniel Udoh are yet to resolve their future.