AFC Telford boss Rob Smith delighted at Curtis Strong signing

The 21-year-old Welsh left-back is the sixth player to be snapped up by the Bucks for next season.

His capture follows on from the arrivals of John Marsden, Kieran Dunbar and Shane Sutton, as well as retained duo Joe Fitzpatrick and Ben Bailey.

Strong came through the youth ranks at Stoke City and most recently played for Tamworth, before picking up a severe knee injury in June of last year while on trial at League One club Walsall.

On bringing him in, Smith said: “He had a deal at Walsall on the table but unfortunately he picked up that knee injury.

“Ability wise, there was no questions but the question that we had was if he had overcome the injury?

“The operation seemed to have went well, he says he is feeling better than ever – fully recovered.

“He’s still the right age to make it pro. Getting a player of his quality in is really pleasing, and there were a few clubs interested.”

Smith has stressed the need to find the right characters as Telford look to go better in National League North next season, and feels Strong meets the brief.

“He really fits the bill, he’s a young, hungry lad who wants to do well,” said the Bucks chief.

“Left back is his favourite position but his strengths are going forward, really.

“He could play as a wing-back or left winger as well, so Curtis gives us plenty of options.

“It didn’t take him any time to decide he wanted to come here.

“We only met him on Monday night and then yesterday morning, he called me to say he wanted to sign.

“He seems a good character, as do all six we have signed up so far.”

On recruitment, he added: “It is going well. There’s still a lot to do yet, but we have got some good players in so far and I am sure there will be more more good signings along the way.”

Meanwhile, chairman Ian Dosser, and directors Andy Pryce and Luke Fearnall will answer questions at a fans’ forum from 8pm tonight at the New Bucks Head.