AFC Telford United: Rob Smith and Larry Chambers win contract extensions

AFC Telford United have extended the contracts of Rob Smith and Larry Chambers to keep them at the club until May 2018.

The two-year contract extensions were triggered after the management duo kept the club in the National League North, and the move was confirmed after a meeting with the management duo last night.

A draft retained list plus the budget was also discussed as the club looks to build for next season.

Chairman Ian Dosser said: "We had an excellent meeting last night with Rob and Larry.

"We thanked them again for turning round a difficult season and successfully keeping us in the National League North.

"We're working together with Rob and Larry to ensure we give ourselves the best chance of being competitive at the top end of the table next season.

"We're also working on other projects that will in turn support our efforts on the field."

Smith said: "We're really positive after the meeting. The club means a lot to us and Larry and I appreciate the honesty of the board and the fact they're open and willing to involve us more in all aspects of the club.

"There's no doubt in my mind where we want to be next year - fighting at the other end of the table, being competitive.

"But we must also put lots of effort into making sure the club recovers fully to somewhere near where it was when we departed in 2010."

The club fought battles on and off the pitch this season with a kit supplier paid late and after a 38 per cent drop in gates, managing director Lee Carter admitting the club could go under if things didn't improve.

But Carter said: "We still have some challenges ahead but I know with the board, Rob and Larry and the fans together, we can overcome them.

"We all want to be competitive in what will be a very tough league next year.

"We have a huge work programme on and off the field and we need as much help as possible."