GOLDEN boot winner Dom Telford is staying in League Two after turning down Newport County AFC, making a shock move to Crawley Town.

The 25-year-old striker has signed a three-year deal with the Reds, who he scored against in Sussex last season, after rejecting a fresh offer from the Exiles.

Telford was linked with a number of League One clubs – promoted Port Vale and Bristol Rovers plus relegated Derby County, who have since had takeover frustration – after a remarkable season at Rodney Parade.

The forward scored 25 goals in 37 games to win the League Two golden boot, striking more times last season than he had in his other campaigns combined at Plymouth, Bury, Bristol Rovers, Stoke and Blackpool.

Telford was in demand but has opted to stay in the fourth tier with the security of a deal through to 2025 with Crawley, who have a big budget after being taken over at the end of last season.

South Wales Argus: Dom Telford equalised for County against Crawley last seasonDom Telford equalised for County against Crawley last season

Telford said: “I am absolutely buzzing to be here and get the deal over the line. It has been a bit of a fast deal, to be honest, but I am buzzing to get in for the start of the season.

“I spoke to the manager, the assistant and the owners, and I am an ambitious player. I like the sound of what is going on at the club at the minute.

“Everyone is getting behind it, and it is clear where they want to take the club. I feel like this is a good place to call home.”

Telford will face County at Broadfield Stadium on October 15 and then return to Rodney Parade for a New Year’s Day encounter.

It is a signing that highlights the challenge facing the Exiles if they are to be in the mix for promotion once again in 2023.

Crawley manager Kevin Betsy said: "We are all delighted to secure the signing of Dom. I am very thankful to the owners for their support in this acquisition.

“He stacks up on so many levels from a data perspective and his actions in and around the box are second to none.

“He has extremely high ability and an excellent goal record, so to secure this signing so early in pre-season is massive for us.

“In terms of character, he is selfless and sees the project that we are trying to achieve here at Crawley, and is looking forward to getting started.

“We have beaten off some extremely good competition to sign Dom, including teams from higher divisions, so we really are delighted to get this done.

“He adds to the already potent front line of Tom Nichols, Ashley Nadesan, Kwesi Appiah and Aramide Oteh. We look forward to working with Dom over the course of the season.”