Thorley wants to play for Rangers

The 19-year-old has reached a decision - he is quitting the full-time after his release from Stoke and Rangers are the only club he wants to play for.

Thorley is to undertake a degree at the University of Worcester in September, effectively ending his choice of playing for a Football League club if he is to complete his three-year course.

Their local club Worcester City - who come to Marston Road for a friendly tonight - also want to sign the midfielder, but the Staffordshire-born teenager is adamant he wants to play in his hometown.

Which leaves Rangers stealing a march on other suitors, for a player regarded as their brightest spark in five months on loan last season.

In a statement prepared by his mother Jackie, Thorley said: "I have withdrawn from trials with three Football League clubs and have also turned down an offer to join the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain.

"I have done a lot of thinking and have reached the decision that right now I want more than just football in my life, so I'm taking up the opportunity to go to university to study for a degree in September.

"I obviously still love playing football and have received offers from several non-league clubs, but Stafford Rangers are my local club.

"They are a good bunch of lads and the club has many loyal fans, so I'm very happy to travel back from university to play for the team.

"I am really looking forward to the new season."

Rangers manager Chris Brindley - along with his assistant Darren Read - have made no secret of the fact that Thorley would be welcome back at Marston Road.

He was the boss' number one target in January when Stoke farmed him out on loan for the second time, and returned to help the club to safety in their successful fight against relegation.

And when asked about the player earlier in the summer, Brindley admitted he wanted the player at Marston Road.

He said: "At the end of the day, who wouldn't want to sign Tom Thorley? He is another one we would be very interested in."