Video: New boss makes Tilt to sign Hednesford defender

Smith, who returned to the Bucks last week after nearly five years in charge of the Pitmen, has lodged a seven-day approach for the centre-back, who previously played for Gornal Athletic and Halesowen Town.

Telford will be able to talk to the player today and Smith is hopeful he will agree to the move.

"He has been outstanding for me this season, I'm really hoping he comes," he said.

"I would be very surprised if he doesn't join us. He will give us the strength, height and power.

"He is not the finished article by any means, but is exactly what we need. There are other areas we are looking at, speaking to a lot of Conference clubs.

"It is the way we are, we never sit still."

Tilt would be the first of three possible new arrivals before Saturday's trip to Bradford Park Avenue as Smith looks to add steel to the spine of his team.

The manager gave a blunt assessment of the Bucks as 'not good enough' – despite earning their first win of the season yesterday by beating Brackley 2-0. First-half goals from Sean Clancy and Izak Reid ensured a happy homecoming to the New Bucks Head for Smith and assistant Larry Chambers.

Asked where his team needed strengthening, Smith replied: "Everywhere. I was asked the same question on Saturday and I think I gave the same answer.

"We need something in the spine of the team. We need to strengthen, we are not good enough but there is no question there is character in there.

"They put their bodies on the line for me and I can't ask for any more than that.

"When they (Brackley) put the big man on, we couldn't deal with it and we needed to."