Rob Smith delighted after finally netting Connor McCarthy
Rob Smith claimed Connor McCarthy and AFC Telford are "made for each other" after the striker returned to the club on a permanent deal, writes Matt Maher.
McCarthy proved a firm fans' favourite last season during two spells on loan with the Bucks from Southport, finishing the campaign as top scorer with seven goals.
His return, which was announced just an hour before Saturday's FA Cup tie at Worcester City, owed much to Smith's persistence after weeks of negotiations in a bid to land his man.
"I am over the moon with it," said the Bucks boss. "I wanted Connor in the summer but he signed a new deal at Southport. But we have been nagging and nagging away and it finally paid off this week.
"He signed a new deal, a new manager came in up there and wanted to have a look at him. It was just dragging on and on.
"I have been pestering them because I think Connor is made for Telford and Telford is made for Connor. It has finally come off. Is it persistence? Yes but that is what you have to do."
McCarthy has signed until the end of the season with an option for the further year in the club's favour. He went straight into the team for Saturday's second round qualifying tie at Worcester and is expected to make his home debut in tomorrow night's replay, after neither side could break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw.
"Connor is really pleased to be back," added Smith. "He is a pain in the backside to defenders. He makes things happen, the ball sticks and he is an all-round good egg. He has a great attitude and I am sure he will do well for us."
Saturday's draw snapped a two-game losing streak for the Bucks and Smith went on: "What has been disappointing is in the last few games the players have let everyone down. It has not reflected the performance of our teams. I thought Saturday was a bit more like it. It was the performance we needed."
