Bully warning after Trophy exit

Stafford manager Steve Bull has warned his side after their FA Trophy exit at Kings Lynn: 'Shape up or ship out.'

Rangers tumbled out at the first hurdle in a 3-2 defeat on Saturday, after getting themselves on level terms from two goals down, Carl Palmer and new signing Mark Magee on the scoresheet.

But it was the defending that really wound Bully up and is starting to hamper the side, with five goals conceded in their last two games.

Stafford have revolved this season around their defensive base but the manager admits he may have to change things if the leaks continue.

He said: "I had a few home truths with the players after the game and they know the score. Our defending was dreadful, which has been our strength this season, and it is hard to take.

"If it carries on, I will look at changing the personnel. The hunt for better players never stops for me. I will not stand idly by and let the good things we have done unravel.

"Players would have to leave if I do that, because I am slightly over budget as it is."

Looking around the Marston Road squad, there a few obvious candidates for the transfer list. David McNiven is the biggest earner at the club, but has the rest of this season of his existing deal to run.

He would have to reach a contract settlement to end his contract, which would not leave the club financially much better off, so an agreement would need to be reached.

Other potential fringe players for the chop could be Tom Ingram, Lyndon Dovey, Christian Dacres and Paul McMahon.

No final decision has been made as yet, but Bully will not be scared to maketough decisions if needs be.

He added: "I have long said that I am trying to build a long-term team here at Marston Road. That will mean players coming and going, with us wanting to get the best out of them.

"No player is bigger than Stafford Rangers Football Club."