Vanarama's National League North fan preview: AFC Telford United

Bucks fanatic Phil Ball is under the spotlight as he gives his thoughts on the new season.

League sponsors Vanarama have been getting the fans’ perspective ahead of the new season - which kicks off this Saturday

The new season is nearly upon us - what have the fans got to look forward to?
Hopefully another season where we won't be in a relegation struggle and ideally a good FA Cup run.

You’ve lost an obvious goal threat in Daniel Udoh this summer but also Amari Morgan-Smith. How confident are you that you can still push at the top end despite their departure?
I'm not at all confident we can be pushing towards the top end of the table. We look like we have a team that won't score too many or won't keep many clean sheets.

What’s been the best bit of business done over the past few months?
The signing of Chris Lait. He looks like a player who will get the fans of their seats and can create for others and score himself.

So, what will be different this season from last?
Without [Daniel] Udoh and [Morgan] Amari-Smith, I don't think we have a forward pairing that can work together and score that many goals.

Who will be your one to watch coming August 3?
Chris Lait as previously mentioned.

Who are the other sides to watch out for and could be in the promotion mix?
I fancy York to win it with Spennymoor, Chester and Brackley challenging.

What ground are you most looking forward to visiting and why?
I always look forward to Kidderminster. It’s a short journey and for the food of course.

And what game would you like to win more than any other any why!
Would love to beat Chester home and away. Their management love to be on social media unless they've just been beaten heavily at Blyth then they disappear for a few weeks hopefully we can do a Blyth.

What opposition player would you most like to see in your side - and what makes him so good?
I can't think of anyone in particular but would like a big, no nonsense centre-half to play alongside [Shane] Sutton - maybe Steve McNulty from York.

Finally, the key question - where do you predict your team will finish next season?
I don't think we will be pushing for promotion, but I also don't think we will be in a relegation battle so around about halfway.

Vanarama, the leading van leasing brand in the UK, have recently launched the National League Club Reward Scheme to help fans back their club’s budget. Every time a fan takes out a brand new van lease with Vanarama or a brand new car lease with Motorama their club will earn £100 and you will receive £30 cashback.

For the latest van leasing deals, head to Vanarama.
For the latest car leasing deals, head to Motorama.

Where next?

Club-by-Club Guide for the Vanarama National League North With only three days to go until the start of the new season, we’ve prepared a special Twitter Club-by-Club guide.
BT Sport's Pundits on their Vanarama National League Season Predictions The BT Sport cameras roll once again, with the season's live coverage kick-starting at Edgeley Park on Saturday as Stockport County face Maidenhead United.

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