Rob Smith very pleased with AFC Telford deals

Full-back Jordan Gough and winger Chekaine Steele have joined the Bucks, while Paul McCone, Dan Westwood, Zak Lilly and Jon Royle have all agreed fresh terms.

Gough, aged 26, won the National League North title while at Solihull Moors and spent the second half of last season at Brackley Town.

On bringing him in, Smith said: "He is a tough, tough player and he has a great attitude. We have tried to get him before.

"He spent a lot of time at Solihull and then went to Brackley last season. We tried to sign him before he went to Brackley, but at the time he wanted to be a part of trying to get them into the play-offs – and that is fair enough.

"We met with him again and he is very keen, and he fits the mould. He has won this league before and seems very hungry and excited to be part of the club. That's exactly what we want."

Steele, 20, came through the ranks at Port Vale and spent last season at Worcester City.

He impressed Smith with his performances against Telford last season, and the Bucks chief said: "He is very, very quick.

"He hurt us badly last year when we played them and he's another that seems really keen and looking forward to getting started.

"He had plenty of options on the table, but he decided to come to us.

"He is only 20 as well so there should be a lot to come from him. He has got loads of potential."

With those two fresh faces and the four staying – defender McCone, midfielder Royle and attackers Westwood and Lilly – the number for next season's squad so far is now 14.

Smith added: "Paul deserves the opportunity, and we have four centre-halves here now. That was a no-brainer, really.

"There was a lot of interest in Dan so we wanted to tie up a deal for him.

"Zak, he's only 18 and he came into the side last season and did himself no harm at all. This should be a big season for him, and he's another with big potential.

"Jon has played well for us in his time here. They all deserved the chance to impress next season."