Rangers offer Stan help

Cannock-based Collymore, 35, stunned the football world this week when he said was embarking on an intense, three-week fitness regime in Tenerife that would have him "as fit as any Premier League striker" - despite retiring five years ago.

And Robinson, a friend to the former Villa and England striker from their days at Wolves, has offered to help.

"Mine and Stan's relationship goes back a long way," said Robinson.

"When I was sold by Wolves to Notts County, he was released by the club at the same time.

"I realised what a massive talent he was and I was desperate to get him to sign for Notts County.

"I used to pick him up every day in Cannock and take him to Nottingham in the hope that Neil Warnock would sign him. Neil didn't sign him in the end, but, through my contacts, I got him fixed up at Stafford Rangers and from there he had a fantastic career.

"I've seen in the press that his agent says he wants to start playing again.

"Obviously if we could help Stan out in any way in his attempt to get back his full match fitness to play at a higher level, we would do what we could to help him.

"I've got a lot of time for Stan, but if anything was to happen, it would have to be mutually beneficial."

Although Collymore is thought to want to resurrect his career in the top flight, there have been no offers as yet.

Stafford, however, are clearly keen and they may face more competition locally.

Chasetown boss Charlie Blakemore is hoping that the former striker's long-term connections with the club could pave the way for a low key comeback in the Southern League Midlands division.

Collymore is close friends with former Scholars defender Paul Haddaway, as well as other ex-players and occasionally used to turn up to Chasetown games.

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