Bully brings in Stoke midfielder

Stafford manager Steve Bull has delved back into the transfer market with the capture of Stoke midfielder Tom Thorley on a month's loan.

The 18-year-old, who has just signed a one-year professional contract at the Britannia Stadium, will be at Marston Road for the rest of pre-season and will be eligible for Rangers' opening Blue Square North fixture against Farsley on August 9.

The signing of such a promising player, albeit initially on a month's loan, is another good indication that the management team at Stafford are using their contacts to get the best possible side together for the season ahead.

Bull said: "He is a busy little player and a few games under his belt here will do him good. We are giving him a chance and hopefully we can make him into a little gem.

"Should he do well, there is always the possibility of extending his loan terms and maybe even signing him up in the summer if it does not work out for him at Stoke. If he does not apply himself, he will go back when his loan finishes.

Bully was less pleased with another defensive horror show against Walsall last night in a pre-season friendly at Marston Road. Two goals up after 25 minutes, they collapsed to lose 3-2.

He said: "We had a good chat in the dressing room afterwards and the players agree a lot of the goals we are conceding are down individual mistakes.

"Well, I want those mistakes recitifying before the season starts. If players continue to make mistakes, I will bring in players to replace them who do not."

Next stop on the pre-season trail for Rangers is at Rushall Olympic on Saturday (3pm), which will be a quick return for assistant manager Chris Brindley, who left the same post at Rushall to join Stafford in the summer.

Bull said: "I am sure Chris will be pleased to be going back. He had some good times there but he is here now and that is all that matters to me.

"We are expecting another tough test and we will prepare accordingly. They beat Walsall 5-0 last week so if we underestimate then it will be to our cost.

"My players will give 100% in every game and, as far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as a friendly."