AFC Telford United finished off the null and voided National League North season in a content 13th position; but were just 12 points away from a highly contested play-off position which is currently occupied by Chester FC.
One reason for Telford's play-off push is forward Darryl Knights, an experienced attacker who has impressed at the New Bucks Head stadium. The stalwart has made approximately 400 appearances in football, including stints at Ipswich Town, Yeovil Town and even the England Under-17s side. He currently is managed by Gavin Cowan, who controversially stated that he believes the Bucks are overachieving this season.
Knight's backed his boss, claiming: "I think he means in general off of the pitch as well as on the pitch, from where he took over as a manager to now there has been lots of improvements that a lot of people don't see.
"I.E, financially, the set up and the squad he has built. But yeah, I believe that under the gaffers guidance Telford will be pushing for a top seven finish."
Knights continued to praise the squad Cowan had built including forward Marcus Dinanga, saying: "He is a massive part of the squad on and off of the pitch.
"To be fair to him, he has all of the attributes to be a top striker and play a lot higher. If he can play to his strengths he won't be at this level for much longer, he will be a lot higher."
Knights also complimented the fans and home of Telford, saying: "Yeah, it is massive for us as players, Telford is a good ground to play at, the stadium is nice, the pitch is nice, apart from winter times, and we get good crowds!"
In his time as a footballer, the Telfor starlet spent a large proportion of his career at Solihull Moors, making 166 appearances for the West Midlands side. Knights said: "I loved the club and I loved playing under Marcus Bignot, who I think is a top manager at this level.
"It is so nice to see Solihull where they are now on and off of the pitch, because I remember the state of the club when I first played there."
Knights expressed his favourite moment in Birmingham: "It has to be the promotion season and scoring two goals against the Blues [Birmingham City] at St Andrews to win the senior county cup."
With the Lilywhites being a part-time club, Knights doubles as a personal trainer in his spare time which explains his excellent fitness: "It is okay for me to be fair, because being in fitness allows me to maintain my fitness and have the knowledge to manage my body so it is beneficial for my football."
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