Rob Smith insists he is the man to lead AFC Telford

The Bucks – two days after a low uptake in the club's issue of shares – drew 1-1 at Halifax Town on Saturday.

A Joe Fitzpatrick belter from 25 yards put them ahead in the 82nd minute, but Josh Wilde levelled for the hosts with seconds to spare.

Smith said: "I don't know what we are going to do but all I know is the players gave me everything at Halifax and everyone who was watching should be proud of the performance they put in.

"The situation is that we haven't got any money to go out and get anybody.

"We are down to the bones and we can't go and get anybody so how can we go forward?

"It is difficult but I know the situation, I understand it, and I think we are the best people for the job given the circumstances.

"I'm asking players – we are strapping up really – to go out and get us results, and we are only in December".

Paul McCone was absent from the squad due to illness and Jonathan Royle appears set for a spell on the sidelines after limping off in the 58th minute and being replaced by Fitzpatrick.

Coach Gavin Cowan was registered as a player in time for the game and was among the substitutes. The result leaves Telford 16th in the National League North.

table with 22 points from 21 games.

On the how the season has panned out so far, Smith said: "We are probably not where we thought we would be but things have happened and things have changed.

"It is a difficult one. I don't want to be in a relegation battle and we are in a lot better position than we were last year.

"If we show that fight and commitment, we will be okay.

"It has been really tough and everyone knows that but we have gone to one of the top sides and nearly won it."

He added: "We are in a pack of clubs, you look at the league table and it is so tight down there.

"We are all in there fighting and looking for those elusive wins.

"Hopefully, off-the-field, things will improve and we can look forward. It's a fight, and I'm always up for a fight."