A case for the defence at AFC Telford
AFC Telford United are confident they have the defensive nous they need to cope with the demands of National League North.
Three centre backs have arrived this summer in Gianluca Havern - who has been appointed captain - Ben Bailey and Dan Preston.
Another, Paul McCone, is expected to available from October, to replace the likes of Curtis Tilt, loanee Graham Hutchison and Mike Grogan.
Havern is 27 and Preston at 24 have both won promotion from this division, while 25-year-old Bailey captained Hednesford and has plenty of National North experience.
Assistant boss Larry Chambers said: "Ben has been around for a long time despite not being that old.
"Luca has played in the Conference and captained Altrincham and 'Prezzo' played in the side with the best defence in the league last season.
"So we've got good competition which is what you want. The situation really is the best two will play.
"But I'd like to think that whoever that is, we can keep them happy because not many clubs have three centre halves - a lot have four."
Meanwhile, versatile forward Josh Wilson has vowed to fans he will score goals this season.
The 28-year-old finished last season with seven for the Bucks after only arriving in February and is eager for more.
He said: "I can guarantee you will see goals from me, whether I play as a No 9 or as a No 10. There's some good quality among the forwards here.
"Danny Reynolds has started really well, Dave Hibbert has the experience and 'MJ' (Michael Monaghan) and Tom Peers are sharp, so whoever plays up there will be a threat.
"I've always preferred to play up front as a No 9 but, looking at this team, we're going to try to get the ball down and play.
"That might mean me dropping into a deeper role, but we've got a lot of depth so I'll just be happy to be in the starting line-up."
Manager Rob Smith has continued to play a fluid 4-3-3 formation from last season and Wilson believes Telford have plenty of options across the board.
He said: "The squad is incredible this season. We've got six or seven players who can play in a variety of positions.
"It can only benefit us in the coming months, especially going into the busy Christmas period. Everyone is willing to work for each other.
"The big difference between now and last season is that we can rotate the squad now, whereas before the team virtually picked itself."
