Boss chases loan extension

Stafford Rangers manager Phil Robinson plans to go cap in hand to Watford next month to plead for the continuing loan of keeper Scott Loach and defender Cedric Avinel.

Both players were drafted in to help halt a disastrous run of results that left Rangers floundering near the foot of the Blue Square Premier.

And judging by recent results - four points from the last two games - it seems the moves have paid off for the Marston Road club.

However, Robinson knows that once the initial month's loan is up, Watford boss Adie Boothroyd can recall them at any time.

The arrival of Loach in particular has steadied Rangers' ship, replacing the out of form Danny Alcock, who has been inexplicably a shadow of the player he was last season - good enough to earn a call up for the England National Game XI.

There to watch Loach in action against Histon on Tuesday night was England international Ben Foster, who had a loan spell himself at Stafford before Stoke sold him to Manchester United.

Foster, of course, was sent out on loan to Watford, where Loach is now trying to make a name for himself.

In reality, Loach had little to do in the way of shot stopping on Tuesday - there was nothing he could do about the spectacular volley that beat him, but Robinson was happy with the way he dealt with Histon's crude 'route one' approach.

"We are very pleased with Scott - he's improved the squad and has done very well here.

"He is thoroughly enjoying his time here with us and getting some great experience.

"Playing reserve team football is one thing, but it is nothing like the competitive edge of battling for three points in a league like the Blue Square Premier," said Robinson.

"We would like to extend the loans of both - Scott and Cedric - and keep them with us a little longer.

"I shall be endeavouring to do that, but the matter is not in our hands."

Whatever the situation with Watford, Robinson will be looking to bring in even more new faces to sustain their survival bid.

And he intends to use the break from regular midweek fixtures, starting next week, to get things moving.

"It's been more or less game after game, especially for the players who have come in on loan to us.

"We've got some space to really work hard on the training pitch and get the new boys tuned in to what we're about.

"I also want some time to may be do a bit of wheeler-dealing. We still feel the squad needs strengthening."

Rangers next game is at home to Neil Grayson's former club, Forest Green, next Saturday.