Brindley unfazed by takeover bid

Stafford manager Chris Brindley is concerned with matters on the field as news of a potential takeover bid sinks in at Marston Road.

A mystery consortium could be on the verge of snatching control at the cash-stricken club, with shareholders informed by letter asking them if they are prepared to sell up.

Their financial muscle and even identity remain unknown but chairman John Downing has asked them to come forward.

The future of the current Stafford boss also remains unclear, as he attempts to pick up the pieces on the field after December's departure of manager Steve Bull.

But Brindley prefers not to worry about things he has no control over, with his focus remaining on keeping the club where they are - in the Blue Square North.

He said: "I don't know anything about the takeover. It's just speculation from what I can see, although I don't know really. It is my job to concentrate on the team, so what is what I am focussed on - what happens on the field.

"I am trying to keep things low key and focus on what is important - work. We have a big game at Hinckley on Saturday and we need to go there in the right frame of mind.

"We have a nine point lead over the relegation spots and we need to keep that intact."

Brindley stated this week the restrictions facing the club in the transfer market, with little room left in the budget at Marston Road to add to the squad.

Letting further players go could free up room, with known top earner David McNiven still on the books, although he still remains Rangers' top scorer.

Even on half play, his wage is still substantial, but Brindley is adamant he does not want his patched up squad depleted any further.

He said: "I am not going to turn round and say, 'I want to sell David McNiven and bring someone else in,' because I am not planning to do that at this point in time. At the moment, I just want to press on with what I have.

"I don't want anybody else to leave."