Dinning fit to return to action

Stafford Rangers midfielder Tony Dinning has declared himself fit to return to action - but there will be no return at Farsley Celtic.

The Leeds-based club will call off tomorrow's Blue Square North match later today after a pitch inspection, with the Throstle Nest pitch still covered in snow and ice after the big freeze this week.

It comes with Dinning ready to rejoin the squad after suffering a back injury in a minor car accident, having been out since playing 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Droylsden on December 12.

But the veteran former Wolves player has only ended sitting out two games, with Rangers out of action since Boxing Day due to postponements brought about by the weather.

The latest call-off will be the third in a row for the Marston Road club, but Dinning is just pleased to be fit again.

He said: "I was looking to be involved, my back is fine now and I have already trained with the rest of the boys. I didn't sit out too many games in the end, but I want to get back playing as soon as possible.

"Getting back fit has been tough and the injury has put me back a little bit, but hopefully I can get my place back."

Rangers themselves have been unable to train outside this week, with their Marston Road pitch still frozen stiff. The squad have instead been limited to indoor work at Staffordshire University's Beaconside Sports Centre.

The state of their own ground could put Tuesday's re-arranged home game against Redditch into doubt but, with the weather as it is, few other clubs are likely to get a game on either.

Dinning believes that, whenever they return to action, hitting the ground running is paramount.

He said: "There is plenty to play for and it will be an important time, with all the games that have been rearranged and postponed. A couple of good results could put us right up there or plummet us straight back down.

"Winning is a habit and losing can be a habit, sometimes you just need something to kick-start your season."