AFC Telford United: Steve Akrigg and Josh Hancock sign for Bucks

Newly-promoted AFC Telford have signed Southport defender Steve Akrigg and Witton Albion winger Josh Hancock as they build for the Conference Premier.

Akrigg, 27, is the 16th ex-Southport player brought in by Telford manager Liam Watson since he left Haig Avenue to take charge of the Bucks a year ago.

He did not figure under John Coleman at Southport last season after being sent off in a defeat at Hereford in January.

Hancock, 23, was in his second spell at Northern Premier League side Witton.

Akrigg and Hancock are Watson's first signings as he rebuilds his squad following Telford's return to the pinnacle of English non-league football after just a year's absence.

Conference North champions Telford have been forced to let go long-serving keeper Ryan Young, who has returned south, and midfielder Matty McGinn, whose work commitments will not allow him to commit to Conference Premier football.

In addition, defender Dan Preston and midfielder Martyn Jackson have both been released by the club.