Rob Smith admits more could follow Tom Peers out of Telford

The Warrington-based hitman has moved to Evo-Stik Northern Premier Division outfit Warrington Town after a seven-day bid was lodged.

Peers, 20, joined Telford from National League outfit Chester in the summer, but his spell at the New Bucks Head lasted just three months after featuring 11 times and scoring twice for Smith's charges. But he started just four games and found himself on the bench in recent weeks, despite Smith admitting that the club did not want to lose the striker.

"That's what happens with non-contract players, if seven-days comes in then it's their choice," said Peers.

"He lives that way and I suppose he is after more regular football."

"He'd done OK for us but with Connor (McCarthy) coming in, him and Hibbo (Dave Hibbert) were first choice."

Smith revealed Peers' departure does little to free up room in the budget, adding that other squad members could find themselves on the way out to reduce expenditure.

The Bucks, who went without a game over the weekend due to their early FA Cup exit, sit 18th in the National League North with just two wins from their opening 12 fixtures.

Telford's squad now contains 15 senior players, with a further two in on loan. Academy graduates Tom Edge and Ben Osei have been picking up minutes at Evo-Stik First Division South outfit Market Drayton Town.

"There's no more money," added Smith. "We are reducing the budget and the squad. The money is tight. That is where we're at. I wouldn't be surprised if one or two more went this week."

"We are looking to tinker to improve the results and find that winning formula.

"With Connor coming in, numbers-wise we are not bad – we didn't ask Tom to go."

On Edge, who played 90 minutes for Drayton in their 3-2 defeat at Gresley, and Osei, who came on for 17 minutes as a substitute, Smith added: "The timing has been good to get them out there, it's ideal."