Gianluca Havern looks good for AFC Telford

The good-looking 27-year-old looks as though he could be about to set female pulses racing at the New Bucks Head next season.

He might be more used to sharp suits in his job off the park but Havern, who has won promotion from National League North with Hyde and last club Altrincham, is no 'pretty boy' on the pitch.

He said: "It's a good job I'd already got a girlfriend because my nose is a bit bent and I don't know if I'd have got one otherwise!

"I went up for a header in the FA Cup last season and the next thing I knew, my nose was spread to one side.

"It was a really bad break and I was out for four weeks – I was hoping to play in a protective mask, but we couldn't source one.

"It was really frustrating because my legs and body were fine but my nose was all over the show so I couldn't play.

"That's my job, though, and that's what defenders have to do sometimes.

"It's a competitive league and judging by the strikers, they're going to be aggressive."

But the tall, dark Mancunian of Italian descent insists he is mystified at being described as a model.

He said sheepishly: "I don't know where that came from but I'm happy to take it! I helped a mate out once. I've got a proper job anyway, so I'm certainly not modelling any more!

"I work in Manchester city centre in recruitment, getting young people into apprenticeships for different businesses and, away from that, I just concentrate on my football."

Havern has Italian parents and has just returned from a holiday there, admitting he loves their football too.

He said: "I grew up watching Italian football and we've seen in the Euros how the Italians defend.

"Juventus are my favourite team and I loved to watch Fabio Cannavaro back in the day.

"I watched a few of the Euros games when I was away and they're a very passionate lot about their football, but I've never seen a live game over there."

But he speaks with equal passion about his new club and is delighted to have joined Telford.

He said: "It's a massive club and always one I've enjoyed playing at in the Conference and Conference North.

"The fans are great, it's a lovely stadium so, when the gaffer rang me, it was a no-brainer really, he didn't have to sell it to me.

"I remember going there the year they got promoted back to the Conference (2013-14) and I've always had good battles with them.

"I found their strikers competitive and got a bit of stick from the fans! It's a great place to play."

Havern was made captain on his Bucks debut on Saturday, a 2-1 win at Colwyn Bay.

It's a squad not short on leaders, with fellow new boys Ben Bailey and Lee Fowler plus midfielder Jack Rea having captained teams.

But it's a role he admits he warms to. continuing: "I always like to help others out, whether that's a case of talking or organising.

"I like to help people do their jobs. I've been captain and vice-captain at Altrincham so it's a role I'm comfortable with and I like to talk a lot."

Havern is one of 10 summer signings, as Smith has effectively put together a new team.

The former Altrincham man is determined to help foster a bond between the old and new, which was helped by a night out in North Wales on Saturday.

He said: "It's a new team Rob is putting together, so the main thing is to build that team spirit and put together a run. But our aim is to be competitive.

They're a really good bunch of lads and there's already a really good team spirit emerging.

"There are a few experienced boys who have been around non-league for a while.

"I've played against a few of the boys before and it seems to be a really good squad being put together with a blend of youth and experience.

"It will be a tough league, but Telford are a big enough to hold their own in it."

But if he is confident of their hopes on the pitch, he confesses to being somewhat daunted by the pre-season hill training up the Wrekin.

He said: "All the boys were running together and helping each other, so it was good 'craic.'

"I couldn't believe the size of it (Wrekin) – I thought the lads were having me on when we drove to it and the lads said 'we're going to be running up there!'"