Dan Preston: AFC Telford are on the rise

The 24-year-old defender has returned to the Bucks where he played from 2011 until 2014 after two years at Tamworth, agreeing a one-year deal.

Preston, who made 70 league appearances for Telford in his first spell and won National League North in 2013-14, is the club's first new signing of the summer.

The stopper arrives hot on the heels of agreements being reached with Player of the Year Dwayne Samuels and keeper James Montgomery, while Sean Clancy became the eighth player to be released.

Preston is delighted to be linking up with manager Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers.

And the Brummie binman said: "I like to think Rob and Larry know Telford inside out and the club was in a false position this season.

"They weren't where Telford should be and I know they will be right up there next season. I think we can win the league or definitely get into a play-off position.

"As long as we can stay around the top eight I've no doubts we can remain up there and push for the Conference, which is where Telford should be."

Preston admits he never wanted to leave and can't wait to play in front of the Telford faithful again at the Bucks Head.

He continued: "I never really wanted to leave but it was one of those things. I had a good two years at Tamworth and wouldn't say a bad word about them.

"I always kept an eye out for Telford's results and I always had a feeling I'd come back one day.

"We won the league the last time I was there and seeing the fans when we won it was amazing. I loved every minute of it and the fans were a big reason in my decision to come back.

"I rarely played badly at home and that was partly down to the fans because if Telford are doing well, they're brilliant and they will be pushing 2,000."

Preston is not only back in familiar surroundings but re-acquainting himself with several familiar faces.

He added: "I know a few of the lads – I played with 'Hibbo' (Dave Hibbert) at Tamworth, 'Camps' (Darren Campion) from our time together at Birmingham City and Dwayne.

"When fit, Hibbo will cause problems to anyone and 'Camps' hasn't changed - he's 100 per cent heart and soul and Dwayne is the same.

"That's what I'm like as well. I never give anything less than my all – so if we're all putting that in, I'm sure we'll be all right."