AFC Telford sign keeper Jonathan Hedge to replace Ryan Young

AFC Telford United have brought in Jonathan Hedge on a one-year deal to replace long-serving keeper Ryan Young.

After seven years' service to the newly-crowned Conference North champions, Young's move to Havant & Waterlooville allows him to play closer to his home on the Isle of Wight.

Former Tamworth and Cambridge United keeper Hedge, 25, comes to the Bucks Head following his release by Grimsby.

Telford may also lose centre-half Simon Grand and midfielder Russell Benjamin.

Grand, 30, who is out of contract, is in talks with Barrow, while Benjamin, 22, is being pursued by another Conference North side, Stockport County, and is available to go on a free transfer, with a sell-on clause.

Telford have also been forced to release midfielder Matty McGinn, whose work commitments will not allow him to commit to Conference Premier football. He took the same decision not to step up to the top level of English non-league football when he helped Chester win promotion a year ago.

Hedge, who signed for Grimsby from Cambridge last summer, has played international football at England C level.

He becomes the 17th ex-Southport player brought in by Telford manager Liam Watson since he left Haig Avenue to take charge of the Bucks a year ago.

Meanwhile, striker Andy Owens has signed a one-year extension and goalkeeping coach Andy Pryce is also staying on.