Commitment is the key for Jon Royle at AFC Telford

The 23-year-old holding midfielder has been with the Bucks since September 2016. His first two campaigns with Telford were largely spent fighting against the drop but they went into today’s clash at Blyth Spartans sitting third in National League North – 10 games into the term.

And when asked why things have changed, Royle said: “I think that the commitment and the effort from everyone here has improved.

“There’s more of a professionalism from all of us – the staff and the players. There’s more hunger and desire from everyone as well. It’s those fine details that have improved.”

Royle was originally signed on loan from Southport and impressed enough for the deal to be made permanent.

He had also played for Wrexham and Hednesford. The Welshman has made eight appearances for the Bucks under Gavin Cowan – just two from the start.

“I want to play as many games as possible,” said Royle.

“The team has been playing well though, and the main thing is the team, so I can’t complain too much about not being in the team every week. But that’s the aim.”

“We’ve got a strong squad. A few might drop out and a few might come in – everyone is good enough to come in and play.

“We have a system and a game-plan, of course, but we have a freedom to play how we want in the final third.

“It’s good to have that freedom. You can’t beat playing with a smile on your face.”

Royle did start as Telford beat Bedford Town 3-1 in the FA Cup second qualifying round last weekend and caught the eye, so much so that Cowan called him the non-league Steven Gerrard.

And he is hoping the Bucks can continue to build momentum as they head to Blyth Spartans on Saturday, having failed to win either of their last two league outings – losing 3-0 at Darlington and drawing 1-1 with Stockport.

“We’ve had a couple of results not quite go our way in the league,” added Royle.

“We just want to make sure that we get back to winning ways at Blyth on Saturday.”