Brindley brings Dodd back in

The centre-half returns to help his former club in their time of need, with Nick Amos suffering a major setback in his bid to return from a knee operation. He now faces several more weeks out.

Stuart Pierpoint is also suspended for two games and in a squad as small as Rangers' thats all you need to be cut to the bone.

So the manager has brought back Dodd, who was released by the club in the summer, back on a short-term deal.

The well-travelled stopper will be in the squad for the visit of Stalybridge on Saturday with Brindley - at the age of 38 - also likely to name himself among the 18 as cover.

He said: "Alan is helping us at the moment, he is here as cover and will be on the bench at least on Saturday. He is on standby to play if he is needed. I will have no qualms about putting him in if he is needed, because I certainly don't want to play!

"He has come in to help us out, we are not paying him and it's the best we can do - there's no more money to get anybody else in."

Brindley is likely to need cover at the back for some time, as Amos is still experiencing severe swelling of his knee a fortnight after going under the knife.

He has had injury problems all season, so it is hoped this long absence can resolve the problem once and for all.

The Rangers boss said: "It looks as if Nick is looking at another four or five weeks out, which is a big blow for us. It leaves us desperately short in defence, with Stuart Pierpoint out as well. Thats why we have got Alan on board, to help us out when we desperately need the help.

"The sooner we can get Stuart and Nick back in action the better."

The club have also announced special ticket prices for the Valentines Day game, with couples able to attend the Stalybridge match for £15.

Adult prices are lowered to £10, concessions cost just £5 and children under 12 accompanied by an adult go free.