AFC Telford's Amari Morgan-Smith: We’ll look to upset the odds

Betting firm BetVictor has released National League North title-winning odds and the Bucks are joint highest at 50/1.

Leamington, Curzon Ashton, FC United of Manchester, Nuneaton Town and newcomers Ashton United are the others at that price. Stockport County are the favourites at 4/1.

“Speaking to the gaffer, we’ve just got to about our work silently,” said former York City man Morgan-Smith.

“In this league, there’s always a dark horse – Bradford Park Avenue were that team last year, making it to the play-offs.

“We won’t get ahead of ourselves but, at the same time, we’re not going into the season with any fear. We’ll be going into every game looking to win it.

“Last season at York, we were the favourites to go up but then I came to Telford and we finished 14th, only six points behind York. That just shows the bookies don’t always get it right.

“Bookmakers can say what they want but, personally, I’m a winner. I just want to win – whether it’s with Telford, or just a five-a-side with my mates. I hate losing.

“I’m a winner and I’ll look to pass that mentality on to my team-mates – we’ll give it 100 per cent every time we put the shirt on. And if that isn’t working, we’ll go back to the drawing board and get going again.”

After three seasons fighting against the drop, Morgan-Smith – who chipped in with three goals in 14 games last term – is determined to help give Telford supporters some well-needed respite.

“I think the fans have a big part to play too,” added Morgan-Smith.

“Hopefully they can will us on and we’ll get a good amount of points on the board early on.

“I don’t want to be in the relegation zone – having been there before, it’s not nice. We want to do well.”