Rob Smith: Top half still a chance for Telford

The Bucks currently sit 14th in National League North after what the manager concedes has been a difficult first few months of the campaign.

Financial concerns off the field have cast a shadow over on-field matters, yet despite a run of four defeats in five, Smith remains confident his team can push further up the table.

And he believes there has been progress from last term, when the Bucks spent almost the entire campaign battling against relegation.

"It's been a tough season so far," said Smith.

"For one reason or another I have not been able to reach a position where I am entirely happy with the squad.

"But compared to where we were 12 months ago we are in a much better place.

"Our aim now has to be getting into the top half of the table.

"People understand how tough it is.

"You have other teams in this division who have 24 players on their books with big budgets. It is very tough to compete."

Telford went up as champions from National League North just two-and-a-half years ago.

But Smith, who returned to the club along with assistant Larry Chambers last September, feels the division has been transformed.

"We got into the play-offs with Hednesford a few years ago but it is much more difficult now," he said.

"It's scary really, some of the money that is being paid out.

"Things will only get harder with Salford City going full-time.

"The good thing is the club is not spending masses on wages.

"We have to make sure we stay in this division and as things stand we are well placed to do that.

"The challenge is to see whether we can push up further."

Defender Dan Preston has joined Leamington on loan until January 17.

The 25-year-old has been out of favour of late with the Bucks, his last start coming in the FA Cup defeat to Worcester in September.