AFC Telford United: Burton's Ian Sharps makes loan move

Ian Sharps spent the first eight years of his career with Tranmere Rovers

AFC Telford United have signed former Shrewsbury Town captain Ian Sharps on loan from promotion-chasing League Two side Burton Albion.

The 34-year-old defender has signed up with Bucks boss Steve Kittrick until the end of the season, with a view to a possible coaching role beyond that.

Sharps could yet help fill the role left by the departure of Telford player-coach Andy Todd.

"It puts the fire back in your belly," Sharps told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"I'm just looking forward to getting my boots back on and going in where it hurts again. I can add a bit of nous."

"He's an experienced player who'll be a good acquisition for us," said Telford managing director Lee Carter. "I know he was highly-rated when he was skipper at Shrewsbury. He'll be a positive influence in the dressing room for what's quite a young side. It's a big boost for the club."

Sharps joined Shrewsbury in June 2010, leading the side to promotion from League Two under Graham Turner two years later.

After 97 appearances, he left for a second spell at Rotherham, but stayed just six months before Gary Rowett took him to Burton on loan in January 2013, making the move more permanent that summer.

But, although a virtual ever present last season, he has made just two starts since Rowett left for Birmingham on 27 October.

"I got injured at a bad time, the week before Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink came in, but the team's done exceptionally well under him," he said.

"I've got no argument about not being in the starting team. I've not got a bad word to say about him.

"At the same time, I've got to get out to and play football. I still feel I've got another 18 months in my legs.

"You get over 30 and some managers think you're over the hill. I'm just grateful for the chance to go and give it my best shot."