Rangers without Johnson for trip

Stafford Rangers have not re-signed defender Jermaine Johnson on loan from Derby County in time to play at home to Stalybridge Celtic.

Published Oct 16, 2009

Stafford Rangers will continue to review the future of on-loan Jermaine Johnson as the need presses - but the teenager still has job security until the end of the season.

Dialogue has continued between Marston Road boss Chris Brindley and his contact at Pride Park, assistant manager Gary Crosby, over the international break but a deal has not yet been struck.

But the need is not as pressing for Rangers as it was before their enforced two-week break, due to their FA Cup exit, with centre-half Emmanuel Udoji completing 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday night.

Udoji will now be pitched in alongside Andy Owens at the back, as the team look to halt a three-game winless run by bouncing back to victory in front of their own fans tomorrow (3pm).

Rangers will face a side flying high in fifth place, with Steve Burr's side again expected to be among the promotion contenders.

And the manager has warned his team the threat their opponents will possess.

Brindley said: "Stalybridge are one of the better side in the league and are good going forward. But we have a few players back now and just have to get on with it."