McNiven back in fold and frame

Stafford Rangers manager Steve Bull has laid down the gauntlet for striker David McNiven to force his way into the reckoning - starting at Rocester tonight.

The 30-year-old has just returned to the squad after missing the first two weeks of pre-season training due to a 'breakdown in communication.'

One of the highest earners at Marston Road and with a year left on his deal, his stance came as a real irritation to the club and Bull, who hadn't even met him before last week.

Now with a week under his belt, he will be thrust into the spotlight tonight, when Bully's men start their pre-season preparations at Midland Football Alliance outfit Rocester.

All seems to have been forgotten and the manager confirmed McNiven will lead the line from the start.

He said: "He has three good nights training under his belt and a run out will only help him.

"I have given him a second chance as far as I am concerned. It has been a bit of a strange one because I have had no contact with David until he came back last week.

"We have had a long chat and he knows my feelings so the matter is closed. My only interest is in what is good for Stafford Rangers.

"I will be leaving nothing to chance. If David or anyone else has a problem with that, they can leave.

"What David now needs to do is get his head down and get on with it. He has a lot of ground to make up.

"But he is in my thoughts and if he can get himself to the level that I know he is a capable of, he will be an asset this season."