Rangers open to loan stars return

The two are still without a club for next season - Thorley was let go by Premier League Stoke at the start of the month, while Millar was released by League Two Macclesfield at the end of the season.

Both now face life in the wilderness, frantically looking to revive their dreams of becoming bona-fide Football League players in time for next season.

Thorley spent time at League Two Rotherham toward the end of last season and has a couple of trials fixed up, which Brindley will monitor with interest.

Millar has yet to show up anywhere, but has been in touch with management at Marston Road to inform them of his situation.

The Rangers boss warns them they face a tough marketplace this summer, with most clubs cutting back financially.

He said: "Tom has got trials with a couple of clubs as far as I know, all we can do is monitor him as time goes on.

"Players like him and Christian are lads who have come from the Football League and the full-time game, so they want to stay there and that is fair enough.

"Hopefully they can get fixed up for themselves, but not all the youngsters looking for clubs are going to get offers. We would come in later down the line."

Brindley has long campaigned he will be playing the waiting game this summer, in order to get the most out of the little money he has available.

If he could snare a Thorley, a Millar, even Jimmy Phillips - another former Rangers loan star in limbo after his release from Stoke - for a season it would represent good business on his part.

The manager's search for talent could go on right until the opening day of the season, but he is clear he wants the best he can get his hands on.

He said: "If good players become available, it doesn't matter whether they become available in June or August, we will be ready to add. The door is open to anyone really, we want the best side for next season we can possibly get.

"Pre-season training is important, but you don't get points for winning friendlies."