D-day for Rangers

The club would lose streams of new income from new sponsors for the league next season and a new TV deal which will see more Conference matches on TV if they are relegated.

Club chiefs today urged supporters to turn out in force at Marston Road tomorrow to cheer on the team in the final game against Forest Green Rovers.

Chairman Jon Downing said the match was the most vital of the season, but said he was confident that Rangers could stay in the Conference top flight.

"We have got to get it right. We have achieved a lot this year and only injuries have put us in this position. It would be very sad if we went down," he added.

"We have to be positive, and the club has a bright future, and we have everything to play for.

"The reformed board has worked hard off pitch this season and the supporters have been tremendous and backed us all the way. We have a lot of new ideas for next year.

"It has been a learning process back in the Conference. It has taken a year to learn how the teams play, and if we stay up we will be better for the experience," he said. The club's commercial manager Ken Hunt said: "It has all come down to our final game.

"Our fans can be out 12th man if they turn out in force."

He said that survival in the Conference was "absolutely crucial" for the club.

Manager Phil Robinson has also called for supporters to turn up in large numbers for the club's biggest game of the season and what he describes as the biggest match of his managerial career.

He said his players were focused on the game and had prepared well.

A draw could be enough to keep Rangers up if Altrincham, who are two points below, fail to win.

Rangers are one of five clubs on 52 points but have the worst goal difference.

A win will definitely keep them up. Tickets for the big match, which kicks off at 3pm, are £12 for adults and £8 for youngsters aged 16 and under and over-65s.

Children up to 12-years-old, accompanied by an adult, get free admission.

lThe Nationwide Conference will become the Blue Square Premier next season, with new sponsorship from the betting group.

From next season the Setanta television channel will be showing regular matches from the Blue Square Premier, offering a new stream of income to the clubs.

It costs Rangers just over £111,000 to get promotion including money spent on improving Marston Road – including new floodlights – to bring it up to a standard acceptable to the Conference.

The club made a loss of £56,000 for the last financial year, but gate receipts were up £46,000.