AFC Telford United

Lore & Background

Telford United experienced severe financial difficulties towards the end of the 2003–04 season while playing in the Football Conference following the collapse of the Miras Contracts business of chairman and sole shareholder Andy Shaw. The club went into administration, and although supporters raised around £50,000 in two months, the club's debts totalled over £4 million, resulting in liquidation on 27 May 2004. On the same day, Telford United Supporters Limited announced that a new club would be formed, which was named AFC Telford United; a new club motto, numquam obliviscere (never forget) was also adopted. In June the new club were placed in Division One of the Northern Premier League by the Football Association. Bernard McNally was appointed as manager and a new squad assembled.

The new club's first season saw them finish third in Division One, qualifying for the promotion play-offs. After beating Eastwood Town 1–0 in the semi-final, they defeated Kendal Town 2–1 in the final to earn promotion to the Premier Division. The attendance of 4,215 for the final was a club record. The following season saw them finish tenth. During the season, McNally was replaced as manager by Rob Smith. In 2006–07 the club finished third, having missed the chance to win the league when they lost 2–1 at home to eventual champions Burscough on the final day; the attendance of 5,710 being a new club record. However, they qualified for the promotion play-offs, and after a 2–0 win over Marine in the semi-final, they defeated Witton Albion 3–1 to earn promotion to the Conference North.

Telford finished second in the Conference North in 2007–08, again qualifying for the playoffs, in which they lost 4–0 on aggregate to Barrow. The 2008–09 season resulted in a fourth-place finish and another play-off campaign. After beating Alfreton Town 5–4 on aggregate in the semi-finals (a 2–0 win at home and a 4–3 defeat away), they lost 1–0 to Gateshead. The season also saw them reach the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, where they were drawn at home to Football League club Southend United. Following a 2–2 draw, the club lost 2–0 in the replay. In the FA Trophy they reached the semi-finals, losing 4–2 on aggregate to York City. However, they were victorious in the Conference League Cup, beating Forest Green Rovers 3–0 on penalties after a 0–0 draw.

Reader's Guide

AFC Telford United represents a phoenix club, rising from the liquidation of its predecessor in 2004. Its significance lies in its fan-owned structure and rapid rise through the non-league pyramid. The club achieved promotion from the Northern Premier League Division One to the Conference North within three seasons, and later reached the Conference Premier (now National League) for multiple spells. Their highest league finish was 20th in the Conference Premier in 2011–12. The club has also made notable FA Cup runs, reaching the second round for the first time in 2014–15. Their record home attendance of 5,710, set in 2007, underscores local support. The club's motto 'numquam obliviscere' (never forget) reflects its origins. As of the 2024–25 season, they earned promotion back to the National League North. Their main rival is Shrewsbury Town, with a more recent rivalry with Kidderminster Harriers.

Did You Know?

• The club was formed on the same day the original Telford United was liquidated, 27 May 2004.
• Supporters raised around £50,000 to try to save the original club, but debts totalled over £4 million.
• The club's record home attendance of 5,710 was set on 28 April 2007 against Burscough.
• Matty Stenson holds the club record for most goals in a season (31 in 2024–25) and most goals in a game (5 vs Lowestoft Town on 18 April 2025).