Rob Smith delighted by vibe of new AFC Telford signings

Smith has landed a trio of fresh faces to follow Joe Fitzpatrick and Ben Bailey, who committed themselves from last term's squad.

And the boss, who reiterated that Telford are in the hunt for players with the correct attitude and personality rather than spending big bucks, is delighted with the business to date.

While former Newport skipper Shane Sutton, 28, ex-Birmingham youngster Kieran Dunbar and last season's loanee John Marsden all checked in over the weekend – it was revealed that skipper Luca Havern was exiting New Bucks Head.

"Shane is at a point where he really wants to give the Conference North a go," said Smith, who also promised another Bucks additions before the end of the week.

"He's got all the attributes. He's strong and very much a leader. We got a good response from him. A really, really good vibe. His attitude was fantastic and you could see he clearly wants to sign with us."

Added to the Knighton-based centre-half is versatile midfielder Dunbar, a former Birmingham and Fleetwood midfield man who is keen to return to the Football League.

Smith said on the 20-year-old: "Kieran was the first player I spoke to, the day after the season finished.

"We found out he's from Birmingham. He could've gone anywhere really but he'd seen we made such an effort to meet him a few times.

"He's good technically and a real high-energy player. He can play holding midfielder or box-to-box.

"He impressed at Stalybridge and is hungry to get back in to the league. He came to see us with his dad and it's (the stadium) an impressive place. He's got an unbelievable attitude and was desperate to sign.

"He had an infectious smile and can flourish at Telford."

On ex-Shrewsbury man Marsden, 24, Smith added: "He's a proven goalscorer at this level and could've moved elsewhere. He's another character that really, really wants it. There have been lots of trips up the motorway for him.

"But what swayed it was that he'd experienced it with us. He knows us and we have an expectation of him."

Smith paid tribute to ex-skipper Havern, who is expected to join another National League North club.

"He's unbelievably professional, one of the best I've ever had to deal with."