Bully to look at another two
Stafford manager Steve Bull will run the rule over another two trial players this week - who could make up the 18 players he wants in place by the time Rangers kick off their Blue Square North campaign on Saturday week.
Stafford manager Steve Bull will run the rule over another two trial players this week - who could make up the 18 players he wants in place by the time Rangers kick off their Blue Square North campaign on Saturday week.
Bully currently has 16 players at his disposal, after releasing striker Damion Jarrett at the start of the week and not including striker Paul McMahon, who will be offered non-contract terms to stay at the club.
He will run the rule over a right wing-back when the players return to training tonight, while a mystery midfielder known to Bull will be pitched straight in against Wrexham on Saturday.
If the two impress and can agree terms, Rangers will have the quota of 18 players the boss always wanted to start the campaign with, although midfielder Tom Thorley is only on loan from Stoke, with a deal extension possible if he impresses.
Bull said: "Both of these players we are looking at are unattached, so it would be no problem getting them signed up if they are good enough. I am hopeful because we need cover. When we lost a couple of players against Kidderminster, you could see how stretched the squad were.
"We are not far away from what I want now. By the time we face Farsley I should have a settled, fit squad of 18 players and that was always the aim."
A good right-sided player would be more meat on the bones of the 3-5-2 system the manager wants to implement for the campaign. Andre Jarrett is the obvious candidate for the right side, while Ishamel Reid is the only natural left-back at the club.
Reid's current absence with a groin injury has proved the problem. Jarrett has enough power in his left foot to provide cover if needed, leaving Alex Gibson as the only right-back available. Another right-sider is clearly needed.
Bull is also keen to impress that quality rather than quantity is needed and it is not cover he is looking for, it is competition.
He said: "Although I don't want players in and out all season, I need a core squad to work with. My aim is that we have players pushing players for places all over the park.
"If a player does not do his bit, then he will be out and another hungry player takes his chance. That is the way it should be. Going through the motions will not be tolerated at Stafford Rangers."
