AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards ready for New Bucks Head bow

Steve Bruce's Championship outfit visit the New Bucks Head (kick-off 7.45pm) for what will be Edwards' first home game since taking charge two weeks ago.

As well as having the chance to properly introduce himself to the Telford faithful, the 34-year-old from Madeley cannot wait to face the side he started out at as a player, before featuring for the likes of Wolves and Blackpool.

Edwards said: "I am looking forward to it. It is always nice to play against clubs of that stature.

"I have to make sure I do my job and prepare the lads as best as we can.

"Obviously it will be a different game to (the 4-0 win against Haughmond on) Saturday so we have to make sure we can match what they do, and what they throw at us.

"Then, we need to still try and play our way and do things the way we are working towards."

Telford played Villa last year at the New Bucks Head in a pre-season friendly, and gave a very good account of themselves.

Dave Hibbert opened the scoring for the home side early on, before Jordan Ayew and Aly Cissohko struck to seal a hard-fought win for the side then managed by Roberto Di Matteo.

Telford expect around 2,500 – 3,000 fans to turn up for the game, including around 1,200 Villa supporters who will be housed in the Frank Nagington Stand.

Edwards has urged his side to not be fazed by the visitors, and stick to the message he has been getting across in training – to work hard for each other and play purposeful, attacking football.

"We can't all of a sudden just change what we are trying to do because it's Aston Villa, there's no point," he said.

"We will come up against a lot of different teams in National League North, going forward, so we have to stick to the same beliefs.

"Of course we will adapt and evolve at times, but the message has to stay the same.

"We need to have an identity – for people to go, 'that's Telford'."

Meanwhile, former Telford striker Dan Westwood has joined Evo-Stik Premier side Stafford Rangers.

He had signed terms for the upcoming season for the Bucks, but was told he was not required after the change in management.