Chorley v AFC Telford preview: Old team-mates are proving top bosses

Cowan takes his AFC Telford United side to National North leaders Chorley tomorrow handily sat in the play-off places and having reached the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.

Vermiglio has also taken to being the boss, with the Magpies two points clear of second-placed Stockport County, who have a game in hand.

Add to that the fact the two are former team-mates at the New Bucks Head, and tomorrow’s clash between two of the top teams in the division has plenty of sub-plots.

Vermiglio, 36, joined Telford from Scarborough in 2007.

He and Cowan helped the Bucks reach the FA Trophy semi-final and lost in the National League North play-off final in 2008-09.

Like Vermiglio, Cowan was handed his first managerial job last summer and the Chorley boss has been impressed with the way his old mate has turned Telford into play-off contenders this season.

The Bucks occupy the final play-off position, five points clear of their nearest challengers

However, Vermiglio will put friendship to one side tomorrow especially as his men are in need of all three points to remain on top of the table.

“Me and Gavin were in the same side and we had quite a successful time there,” said Vermiglio.

“We had a long unbeaten run – over 20 games – and had a great run in the Trophy.

“He played centre-back, I played central midfield. We got on really well. We still talk now quite regularly.

“He spoke to me at the start of the season asking for advice when he was thinking of applying for the job, and likewise I asked him when the Chorley job became available.

“We touch base now and again. He has done really well with the squad that he has assembled pretty much from scratch. They had a great run in the FA Trophy and they have done the club proud to be where they are.

“They needed a bit more energy, not just the team but around the place, and they have certainly got that back.

“He is very tactical and astute.

“It is good to come up against someone who is like that, someone who you know puts the hours in, puts the work in.

“He works just as hard, if not harder, than me with the amount of hours he puts into it. It is good to pit your wits against someone like that but it is a job and we have got to get three points.

“Whether we are playing AFC Telford or Nuneaton, it is the three points that are the most important thing.”

Another former Bucks player at Chorley is striker Josh Wilson, who is expected to be back in contention after missing last week’s game at Chester game due to an abscess. The hosts have forward Alex Newby suspended.

Cowan hopes to have striker Marcus Dinanga available after the frontman came off at half-time against Blyth with a hamstring strain. The Bucks boss said his withdrawal was a precaution and he should be fit.