Bully still shuffling the pack

Stafford manager Steve Bull is still shuffling his pack and trying to bring players in ahead of the big kick-off against Farsley on Saturday.

Trialist Jordan Lockie is the latest to be let go by Rangers this week, following Alex Gibson, Alex Morris and Craig Read out of the exit door at Marston Road.

Bully revealed he has enough room left in his budget to sign one more player, maybe two at a push, although he still wants to strengthen more or less every area of the side.

But, for now, he will have to work with what he can afford.

He said: "With another signing I will probably be bang on budget. Hopefully, there will be leeway to bring another in. There are still players I want and I will strive to get in the best available before Saturday."

The Stafford boss is known to want another wing-back as cover for Andre Francis and Ishamel Reid, with current loan midfielder Tom Thorley a possible option if needed.

A target man and a central midfielder are also on Bully's wish list, with former Rangers man Ged Murphy effectively nixing his chances in midfield after refusing to play in last weekend's friendly against Wrexham.

Another goalkeeper is also wanted - to put pressure on highly-rated No 1 Danny Alcock and work with inexperienced understudy Danny Allen.

Bull said: "Danny Allen is very young and someone to work with him would do him the world of good. Having a reserve side next season will also help his development.

"As for Alcock, he is a great goalkeeper and rightly first choice but I want another player to put pressure on him, so he has to be at his best to keep his place. Competition for places is good at any club.

"We have another trial goalkeeper coming down to training tonight, so we shall see if he is any good."

Overall, Bully is pleased with his side ahead of the season opener, especially after their competitive performance in a 2-0 defeat to a strong Wolves side in their last pre-season friendly on Tuesday night.

He said: "If we play over the course of the season like we did against Kidderminster and in the second half against Wolves, we will go a long way in the Blue Square North this season."