Boro have been thwarted in an attempt to sign midfielder Phil Trainer according to reports. Trainer turned down approaches from both Boro and Crawley Town to sign for AFC Telford on a one-year deal with the geography of the move appearing to work against

Boro have been thwarted in an attempt to sign midfielder Phil Trainer according to reports.

Trainer turned down approaches from both Boro and Crawley Town to sign for AFC Telford on a one-year deal with the geography of the move appearing to work against Stevenage boss Graham Westley.

"He (Trainer) spoke at length to Stevenage and Crawley and also had an offer from Solihull Moors," Telford assistant manager Larry Chambers told The Shropshire Star.

"But he enjoyed his time here towards the end of last season and I don't think he was keen on travelling too far, even though he wants to play at the highest level he can and get back in the Conference.

"For me, it's a massive signing - with a good pre-season behind him I'm expecting big things.

"He's an ambitious player, and I'd imagine he's turned down some bigger financial offers to come here."

The news illustrates however that Boro are looking to bring in another central midfielder after letting Gary Mills and John Martin leave The Lamex Stadium this summer.