Doubts over futures of AFC Telford duo

The New Bucks Head chief has entered negotiations with joint-top scorer Josh Wilson, who only arrived in February.

But he is wary the club are facing an uphill battle to presuade him to return next season.

Wilson, who skippered the Bucks on the final day of the season at Chorley, equalled Connor McCarthy's goal total of seven in Lancashire.

And Scouser McCarthy, who spent most of the season on loan from Southport across two spells, is unlikely to be a Telford player come August.

Former AFC Fylde man Wilson has spent most of his career battling for promotion in the National League North and his signature is likely to be hotly-contested.

Smith said: "I met with Josh last week and nothing is happening at the moment – that's where we're at.

"(Is he) Asking for too much? I'm not going to go into detail. We haven't been able to agree anything at the moment, but I'd like to keep him definitely.

"But we have to agree everything and, at the moment, we can't.

"I fully understand Josh will probably get better offers and we're not in a position to compete with these clubs

"But what we will have is a tremendous set of lads, a great ground and great support and it's a good thing to be part of that."

McCarthy endeared himself to the Bucks faithful and was missed when recalled by National League side Southport, before Smith was able to pull off a second loan deal.

But a change in hierarchy on Merseyside looks to have banished any further hopes of a Shropshire return.

Smith said: "Andy Bishop (Southport's new manager) really likes Connor. I fully expect to see him playing for Southport next season."

Right-sided flier Izak Reid was one of previous boss Steve Kittrick's marquee signings last summer and the former Barrow man enjoyed a promising start, before being sidelined by injury.

Smith is to meet up with Reid at some point this week, adding: "I don't know whether I'm keeping him yet. He's one of the highest-paid players at the club so there are things to discuss."