Stafford look to Conference Central

Stafford Rangers are likely to re-enter a reserve side into the Conference Central next season - if they are approved by the FA.

The club were members of the league as recently as 2006/07, before scrapping the side when they were still a Blue Square Premier club.

Rangers manager Steve Bull has been keen to resurrect the reserve side ever since he was appointed manager in February and he was given the go-ahead this week.

The main factor of this decision has been the help of a anonymous backer, who has pledged to fully finance the reserve side at no cost to the club.

Stafford have yet to formally apply for membership but are expected to after another board meeting on Monday, with the hope of a team being in place by the start of the first-team season.

They would likely face the reserve sides of such clubs as Kidderminster, Burton Albion, Halesowen, Redditch and Tamworth.

The club have confirmed they plan to play reserve team games at their Marston Road ground.