AFC Telford boss Rob Edwards backs Paul Bignot to add composure

The 32-year-old can play at right-back or the centre of defence and is the younger brother of former Bucks man Marcus, who spent four years with the club in the 1990s.

He joins after being let go by Barrow and is set to be involved at Spennymoor Town tonight. Telford head there four points from National North safety.

“We just wanted to make sure we have enough bodies for the run-in,” said Edwards.

“It’s pleasing to have got Paul in. He’s played the majority of his football as a right-back, he’s experienced.

“He will bring a voice, experience and composure.

“We hope he will be someone, at those crucial moments, who makes the right decisions. Whether he is playing or not, he’ll be able to help.”

Telford drew 2-2 at Tamworth on Saturday, conceding a last-gasp equaliser – Aman Verma poking home from close range.

Edwards recognises ‘little details’ like that have built up over the course of the campaign and resulted in them being involved in a relegation scrap.

“It’s one of the main reasons we are where we are, because of those little details this year,” he said.

“There’s no doubt we can match most teams in this division, but we just need to be better – a cutting edge at both ends.

“We had a number of opportunities on Saturday as well, let’s not forget that.

“Really, we could have had three or four. I don’t think anyone would have thought we didn’t deserve that.

“We need to just be able to take those chances, we really do.”

Meanwhile, Edwards has praised 18-year-old attacker John McAtee.

The Shrewsbury Town loanee showed some real quality on his full Bucks debut at Tamworth, before being taken off on the hour mark for Elliot Newby.

He is expected to start again at Brewery Field.

“I thought he was excellent and I think he’s only going to get better,” said Edwards.

“The senior players around him really helped him as well. He’s only going to continue to learn and grow.

“I’m really pleased with his first contribution.

“He was feeling a bit tired, feeling his back a little bit, so I think it was the right decision to get him off.”

He added: “I was delighted with him. He is mature beyond his years and has quality.”