Rob Smith: Keep hold of Lucas Dawson
Rob Smith has challenged AFC Telford United to pull out all the stops to keep hold of Lucas Dawson this summer.
Smith branded the player 'the best midfielder in the league'.
Dawson enjoyed another impressive 90 minutes in the memorable 1-0 win against Tamworth as he continues a fine run in the Bucks first team.
His near-flawless set-piece deliveries again caught the eye and the former Stoke City academy youngster drew high praise from his boss.
"I think Lucas is the best midfielder in the league and I don't say that lightly," Smith revealed. "The kid's 20 and he's been released by Stoke City; we took him at Hednesford and he never kicked a ball there because we got the job here.
"He's obviously having a bounce-back from the pro game but his ability is unbelievable, he's another one that just needs a bit of confidence – he's a quiet lad.
"But I rate him so highly and this football club needs to do everything it can to keep Lucas Dawson."
All eyes were on the well-documented delivery of former Buck Elliott Durrell during Saturday's showdown. But as the side prepared for today's test at relegation-threatened Brackley Town, Smith placed Dawson in a similar light.
"His free-kicks are unbelievable," Smith marvelled. "You've got a player on Saturday in Elliott Durrell who I rate as the best set-piece taker in the league – and I think Lucas was on a par.
"Lucas has been awesome for me, as has Jordan Wynter and as has Jack Rea.
"That midfield there, you've got a footballer in Lucas Dawson, Jack Rea who's got a bit of everything and the physicality of Jordan. It's no surprise to me that the midfield is helping us play the formation we play."
Former Arsenal youngster Wynter had a tough start to his Telford career but is now a regular first-teamer. Smith said: "Jordan's problem is that he doesn't realise how good he could be."
