New Stafford striker ready to step up
New Stafford striker Ben Mills has promised to produce the goods as he makes the big leap into the Blue Square North this season.
The 20-year-old signed for Rangers as the squad returned for pre-season training last week, ending a six-month long pursuit of the player by manager Chris Brindley.
Mills now makes the step up from the UniBond League Division One with Leek to some two levels higher with the Marston Road men.
But the young forward is not unnerved, he has his sights set on making a big splash in a coming-of-age campaign.
He said: "This is a big opportunity for me, and one that I am planning to make the most of. Chances like this don't come along everyday, it's a big jump for me but I didn't feel I was capable of doing it I wouldn't have signed.
"You are a lost cause if you're not confident in yourself, in my eyes I have made a big jump like this before and done well."
Mills turned down Rangers' first approach in January, instead deciding to see out the season with Leek.
This led to some doubt whether he would end up at Marston Road at all, but the player insists it's better to make the move now rather than then.
He said: "I didn't sign then because I wanted to give myself the best possible chance of succeeding here. Coming in January halfway through the season with the side already settled was not the right time for me.
"At least now I can have a proper pre-season with the team, which will give me a better chance of breaking into the side for when we play Hyde on the opening day."
The 20-year-old along with Nick Wellecomme are the only two confirmed strikers on the books for next season at Marston Road, but the two know each other well.
They played together for Newcastle Town in 2007/08, before Wellecomme moved on to Brocton and then Rangers, with Mills going to Leek.
The new-boy believes his experiences in partnering the 25-year-old for his hometown club will now benefit his new employers.
Mills said: "I know what he is about and he knows what to expect from me. That is the bonus for us. We could make a good pairing but we will have to find a balance, as we are both quite similar players.
"We will have to see how we work, but I am sure we would find a way past that."
