Steve Palmer is willing Bucks to beat the drop

Hall of Fame member Palmer, who memorably served the Bucks in their previous and current guises, is desperate for Telford to stay up.

But with 12 games left, the former midfielder believes the Bucks are risking leaving it too late.

"I think Rob and Larry now fancy the side they have put together, but it's just whether it's too little, too late," said Palmer.

"They've got some good pedigree now with Josh Wilson and John Cofie, and if they're signing players of that calibre it shows they mean business and they're giving themselves a chance.

"The results went for them at the weekend, but you do worry the games will run out.

"They went to Solihull Moors and put up a good fight which is a good sign, and they drew 1-1 with Wolves Under-21s last week with 10 men.

"Judging by that, they must have a decent team spirit. That's something Rob and Larry are promoting, which isn't easy when you're rock bottom.

"So there has to be a positive feel and I think they can get out of it."

Now managing AFC Wulfrunians, Palmer still keeps a close eye on the Bucks, especially since his old management duo Rob Smith and Larry Chambers returned to the club.

Telford are back in action on Saturday at Liam Watson's Stalybridge Celtic after a two-week absence.

They remain bottom of National League North and three points from safety, although their rivals have now caught up on games, with second-from-bottom Hednesford having picked up two points in three matches since Telford last played.

Palmer also had two spells with the Pitmen but admits he can't see both his former clubs staying up.

"Telford is the first result I look for but I also look for Hednesford too and I can't see both of them getting out of it," he said. "So it's bitter-sweet for me because one might stay up at the expense of the other."

Cofie will be assessed at training tonight to see if he can play on Saturday after coming off at Solihull with a knee injury.