Rangers recruitment drive
Stafford Rangers are upping their recruitment drive in the battle for survival in the Blue Square Premier.
Stafford Rangers are upping their recruitment drive in the battle for survival in the Blue Square Premier.
Manager Phil Robinson reckons he needs at least a couple more players to make Rangers a real fighting force in the increasingly combative top tier of non-League football.
Rangers' wretched start made it clear that something drastic had to be done and that meant clearing the decks for fresh blood.
Over the past couple of weeks, four players have left the club, including the sale of stalwart Craig McAughtrie to neighbours Tamworth.
Also on the departure board were Greg Stones, Ramon Manak and David Wood.
So far, there have been only two new arrivals - Watford loanees Scott Loach and Cedric Avinel.
Manager Phil Robinson said the harsh decisions had to be taken: "We have slimmed down what was an already slim squad, compared with many other clubs in this league. We had to make way for other players coming in," he said.
"Sometimes it is very difficult decision to lose players, but it was a priority we did that.
"We have been working hard to bring other players in to the club and we are actively trying to do that, but it is proving difficult to get the ones we really want.
"I can't stress enough how important it is that when we do make signings, they're the right ones.
"The Blue Square Premier is a really strong competition this year and I still feel we would like a couple more players in to strengthen the squad before we feel we can compete strongly with the other clubs in this division.
"We have proved all season that we can be competitive, but I always refer to the fine line that we've been on between picking up points and not.
"We feel a couple more players will take us over on to the right side of that fine line.
"I know we are not going to carry on winning or drawing games, there are going to be defeats and setbacks along the way.
"As a squad and as a club we have to keep our belief," said Robinson.
On Tuesday, Rangers face a crucial 'six-pointer' at York's Kit-Kat Crescent, where the Minstermen appear to have set Rangers an example by dragging themselves up out the mire with a string of good results.
• Rangers' reunion with former club captain McAughtrie could come later this month: the Staffordshire Senior Cup first round tie against Tamworth has been fixed for October 16 at The Lamb.
