Rob Smith: Rebuilding AFC Telford a challenge
Boss Rob Smith feels AFC Telford United are still a very attractive club to potential new players – but admits they no longer stand out in National League North.
The Bucks chief, after a disappointing few years for the club, is looking to rebuild his squad for next term and bring in faces who can revitalise the New Bucks Head faithful.
Smith insists the market is more competitive than ever though, given former Football League clubs such as York City, Stockport County and Kidderminster Harriers are in the division.
“Sometimes meeting new players is refreshing,” he said.
“We get a different view from lads we haven’t spoke to already – then we try and work out their personality.
“I still think it’s a quality ground and place to play, but you look at the league now with the likes of York.
“Years ago the name Telford would stand out at this level. Now there are lots of quality grounds and we know about the resources.”
In the 2015/16 season, Telford finished 18th in the table having picked up 47 points from 42 games.
Last season, they ended up 17th on 42 points.
Smith is looking for a quick start to the campaign, and no hangover from last time around, and knows he needs the right characters in order for that to happen.
He knows if they start badly, things may take a turn for the worse and pointed towards Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers – who have been relegated from the Premier League and Championship respectively after toying with relegation for a few seasons prior.
“Last season we signed the players that we wanted to but they didn’t come off,” said Smith.
“This summer we will wait before we announce signings, we will take our time.
“If that means going into pre-season without a full squad then so be it.
“We’ve got to get it right, the league is so hard now, look at Stalybridge Celtic or someone like that, flirting with relegation every season.
“It’s like Sunderland in the Premier League or Blackburn, if you keep flirting with relegation then you will go down eventually.”
He added: “It’s about the right characters. You look at the league for next season and it’s horrific. We’re going to really have to stick in and battle with characters.”
