Bully set to seal Briscoe capture

Stafford manager Steve Bull is close to ending his striker crisis with the capture of former Port Vale and Hednesford hotshot Louis Briscoe.

The noted non-league marksman is poised to complete a move from Unibond League Division One South outfit Gresley Rovers, who are allowing players to leave with the club unable to pay the current wage bill at the Moat Ground.

The 20-year-old shook hands on a deal with Bully at Tuesday's training session and is expected to put pen to paper at tonight's final session at Marston Road.

Briscoe's reputation precedes him in non-league football, his 19 goals for Leek last season earning him a move to Hednesford, before moving onto Gresley, where he already has six goals in less than two months spent at the club.

With five Football League appearances for Vale to boot, the young striker looks to be just sort of player shot-shy Rangers need.

Bull said: "Louis is a player I have tried to pursue before and now I am just waiting from the green light from Gresley to seal the deal. They are in a bit of financial trouble at the moment, so I think they are trying to offload some players.

"I spoke to their manager, Gary Norton, who told me to have a chat with Louis. The player is happy to come, as far as I know. I have spoken to him and everything seems to be moving along fine.

"I don't like to say too much until he signs on the dotted line, but I am confident the deal will be done."

Should Bully get his man, he cannot make an immediate debut, with Rangers at Kings Lynn in the FA Trophy on Saturday, a competition for which Briscoe is ineligible.

He would also be ruled out of any potential replay at Marston Road in midweek, meaning he would come into contention for the Blue Square North trip on Saturday week.

The opponents? Kings Lynn away!

Bull added: "He won't be eligible for Saturday, or any potential replay, so he will join us from Monday and will train with us next week, should the deal be completed. I would expect that he would figure for us in the league next Saturday.

"I am sure we will all be sick of the sight of Kings Lynn by then."