Shropshire Star

Rob Edwards: AFC Telford will carry very high standards

Boss Rob Edwards is intent on making AFC Telford United 'the most professional semi-professional club there is'.

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Edwards: Bucks will carry high standards

The 34-year-old former Molineux man was due to take charge of his first Bucks game today, a pre-season friendly against Haughmond (3pm).

He oversaw two training sessions this week, the first at Wolves' Compton Park complex on Tuesday – after which he sat down the group of 27 players, including trialists, for a healthy meal.

And as the National League North side plan to go full-time in the next 12 to 18 months, Edwards pointed to that as an example of doing things the 'right way'.

He said: "We trained on Tuesday at the Wolves training ground and we provided food for them afterwards.

"I think it was good, everyone got to sit down together, we had a chat and some food together.

"I think that's important, rather than on the way home grabbing possibly something that wouldn't be great for them. We're trying to do things the right way."

Telford trained at Telford College of Arts and Technology last season, as well as Lilleshall Sports Centre.

There is no permanent agreement to train at Wolves' multi-million pound Compton Park complex but Edwards, with the blessing of his former colleagues, is glad to use the facilities when they are available.

On whether the complex is an improvement to what the players have experienced before, the Bucks chief said: "Yes it's an attraction and yes it should be an improvement to our players, I would think.

"We've got to the most professional semi-professional club there is. It might not be there all the time, we're looking at other avenues as well.

"But while we can use the facilities then it's terrific for the players. We can lean on the club because of the relationship I have with them - I'd be silly not to do that."

Edwards insists he has taken a lot from his first three training sessions since being installed as boss – on the same day it was announced Rob Smith and Larry Chambers had been sacked by the club.

"They've been really enjoyable. The players have all worked really hard and showed a good attitude where they want to impress," he added.

"Things have been really good already three sessions in."