AFC Telford United have strengthened their squad ahead of the coming National League North campaign with a double signing that blends familiarity and fresh attacking intent.
Manager seeks experience and potential
On a busy Saturday morning at New Bucks Head, manager Kevin Wilkin confirmed the arrivals of Sam McLintock and Jack Lambert, moves that follow the earlier capture of striker Louis Moult.
McLintock, 26, returns to the club for a second spell after a brief period working under Paul Carden in 2022. The midfielder arrives from Peterborough Sports, having previously played for Coleshill Town, Leamington, Rushall Olympic and Kettering Town. His career has seen him come up against the Bucks on a number of occasions, including meetings last season and the 2024/25 Southern League Premier Central play-off final.
“Sam’s a talented young man, but has probably made one or two poor decisions at times and not helped himself, but he’s clearly got ability as a footballer,”
Wilkin set out his reasons for bringing McLintock back:
“He’s 26 now, and he’s flitted in and around being established at this level. Again, that’s something we want to try and help him with and try to bring out of him.”
Midfield creativity and a knack for goals
Alongside McLintock, 27-year-old Jack Lambert has signed from King’s Lynn Town. Lambert has been on trial with the Bucks during pre-season and made an immediate impact by scoring the winner in Telford’s 1-0 victory over League Two side Walsall.
Wilkin said of Lambert:
“Jack was one of the go-to players certainly at this level and on an upward curve, which came to a bit of an abrupt halt for whatever reason. We’ve had plenty of discussions, and Jack wants to get back to that level, and we obviously want to get him back to that level.”
Local supporters will recall Lambert from a 2022 fixture when he netted a hat-trick for Darlington against Telford, evidence of his eye for goal when fit and in rhythm.
What this means for Telford and the season ahead
These signings represent Wilkin’s attempt to blend proven ability with players he believes can be guided to greater consistency. McLintock’s familiarity with the club and knowledge of non-league circuits could provide squad depth in midfield, while Lambert offers an attacking spark that contributed decisively in pre-season.
For supporters, the moves are a clear signal of intent ahead of the new campaign: bolstering both creative midfield options and firepower up front. The additions also reflect the reality of National League North football, where clubs frequently mix experienced campaigners with players hoping to re-establish or elevate their careers.
- Sam McLintock — Age 26; Position: Midfielder; From: Peterborough Sports; Second spell at Telford.
- Jack Lambert — Age 27; Position: Attacking midfielder; From: King’s Lynn Town; Scored pre-season winner vs Walsall.
- Louis Moult — Earlier signing this summer; Striker (already at New Bucks Head).
| Player | Age | Position | Previous club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam McLintock | 26 | Midfielder | Peterborough Sports |
| Jack Lambert | 27 | Attacking midfielder | King’s Lynn Town |
Wilkin has been candid about the work he expects to put in to get the best from both players. He said that with time and the right environment, McLintock could be a player to help "take us forward" — a phrase that underlines the manager’s belief in coaching and squad management as much as recruitment.
As pre-season fixtures continue, the Bucks will look to bed in their new arrivals and build momentum ahead of the first league matches. For a town that rallies around its football club, the signings provide early optimism that Telford will be competitive and entertaining this season.
Local football remains a central part of community life here in Telford, and these additions to the squad will be followed closely by supporters keen to see how Wilkin’s group shapes up when the National League North returns to action.
