Cash hope for Rangers

Stafford Rangers' Marston Road ground will be given a new name if the club can find a sponsor willing to stump up £10,000 a year.

Rangers are looking for new sources of income following relegation to the Blue Square North.

Director Reg Bates said among businesses they were approaching was Next,which was due to open a new superstore on Queens Retail Park in August.

"If they were able to meet the sponsorship level the ground could be renamed the Next Stadium from the start of the new season," he said.

The club is also to advertise the sponsorship opportunity.

Mr Bates said that the biggest offer would win the deal to buy the name of the ground.

"We think that this would create a lot of good publicity for the successful bidder," he added.

Rangers, who will kick of the new season on August 9, are also continuing efforts to find a site for a new ground in the county town.

Mr Bates said that a number of potential sites were being looked at.

"We are pushing on with the search for a new ground and we have had meetings with borough councillors over this.

"It is not going to be an overnight process and we want to work closely with the community on this.

"One of our ideas is to possibly have a running track around the pitch at the new stadium so that it could be used for athletics by schools," he added.

Businesses interested in finding out about the ground-naming offer or other sponsorship opportunities with Stafford Rangers can contact Mr Bates on 07802 535333.

*The directors are to meet with youth team coaches this week to discuss ways to increase the club's involvement with local schools as part of efforts to improve community links.

* The club is offering a discount on season tickets purchased before the end of June.

Ground and stand adult tickets which cost £250 are available for £225 if bought before June 30 and £210 ground-only for £190.