AFC Telford seek Curtis Tilt replacement

The battle to secure the defender's signature finally ended yesterday when the 25-year-old penned a one-year deal with the National League Premier outfit.

Tilt had been offered improved terms at the New Bucks Head and was courted by Vanarama National League North rivals Salford City who are famously run by Manchester United's 'Class of 92.'

The former Hednesford Town man received a personal phone call from England coach Gary Neville in a bid to entice him to Greater Manchester.

But the lure of a first professional contract with Wrexham proved too strong and he has now moved to the Racecourse Ground.

And, while he was quick to wish his former defender the best of luck, Smith admitted he would have preferred Tilt to have made his decision earlier in the close season.

He said: "I would have liked it done earlier – it seems to have dragged on forever but he has got himself a very good move.

"It's a professional contract and I'm glad he has moved to Wrexham and higher up the pyramid rather than just moving sideways.

"I wish him the best of luck, the only disappointing thing is that we have been left in limbo with the time it's taken.

"But we are where we are now and we have to begin a search for a new centre-back to replace him."

Tilt admitted it's been a tough few weeks deciding where he was going to play his football, but the defender is now relieved his future is sorted.

He added: "It has been a hard couple of weeks deciding where to go. Wrexham came in for me and I want to play as high as I can and go as far as I can.

"The history of the club and the opportunity of a first professional contract was a big attraction.

"My aim now is to win as many games as possible and hopefully create some history for the club."

The move to Wrexham continues a prodigious rise for Tilt, who was playing in the fifth tier of non-league football with Gornal Athletic little more than three years ago.

After a successful spell with Halesowen Town, he joined Hednesford last summer before following Smith and Larry Chambers to the New Bucks Head.