Bully will make new duo sweat

Stafford manager Steve Bull has warned his two new strikers that the prospect of a league debut on Saturday will depend on how they perform in tonight's training session at Marston Road.

Mark Magee and Louis Briscoe both come into contention to make their Blue Square North bow at Kings Lynn, with Bully dropping his biggest hint yet that he will go with two strikers instead of the usual 4-5-1 formation.

If that comes to pass, at least one will start and maybe both, although David McNiven is also available and his claims cannot be discounted, as Rangers' top scorer.

Freed Bristol City youngster Magee announced his arrival on the scene with a 'Bullyesque' debut goal in the FA Trophy last weekend, while big things are expected of Briscoe, a noted non-league marksman brought in from Gresley.

Bully will keep us guessing until the kick-off on Saturday.

He said: "Not even the players will know who I will be starting with until before the game. I know what players are like, so they won't be taking their place for granted under me.

"But it is looking a hell of a lot rosier on that front now. I have real options and I could use the two strikers, which is something I haven't really had since losing Nick Wellecomme.

"I think it could make all the difference for us."

One frontman who could be on his way out of Marston Road is non-contract player Paul McMahon, who is interesting Brocton and Rocester, the latter asking about the player this week.

Bully has left the decision to the player, who has the freedom to do as he chooses, but with the likes of Darryl Proffitt, Magee, Briscoe and McNiven all in front of him at Rangers, his first-team chances look bleak.

The manager said: "It is entirely up to Paul. If he wants to stay and try to force his way into the picture than fair enough, but if he decides he wants to play first-team football elsewhere, he leaves with our blessing and best wishes."