Shane Sutton keen to carry on AFC Telford journey

The Bucks are taking on York City and, depending on how they get on and how Bradford Park Avenue do against Chorley, could be in the National League North play-offs come 5pm.

Sutton has been at the heart of Gavin Cowan’s defence up until this fateful game and would love to see things through, but wants to stick around if they fall short too.

“We’re all on a journey, or a process as the gaffer likes to call it,” said the captain.

“And there’s a lot more to come from us.

“The gaffer has just signed a new two-year contract and committed his future to the club, so we’re all hoping to impress him and be here as well to carry on the journey.”

Sutton joined Telford from Welsh Premier side Newtown at the start of last season and was heavily involved in a difficult campaign under Rob Edwards in which they eventually staved off relegation.

Stronger for that experience, the 29-year-old has continued to wear the armband under former defender Cowan.

And he is not the only one who has stood the test of time.

Henry Cowans, Jon Royle, Amari Morgan-Smith, Ellis Deeney and Marcus Dinanga, who returned to the club in January, were also part of tougher times for the Bucks, while those who joined in the summer such as top scorer Daniel Udoh have stuck around.

Sutton attributes a lot of Telford’s success to the fact the group has been so settled.

“It’s been a really enjoyable season and when you look at the squad, it’s pretty much the same bunch of lads that turned up for the first day of pre-season,” he added.

“That makes a big difference. We’re all working together towards the same thing.

“We trust each other and work together for better.”