Departed captain's parting plea

Departed captain Bobby Wilson has pleaded for understanding from Stafford Rangers fans after cutting his ties with the club for a new life in Australia.

The former skipper announced last week he has accepted an offer to play for Perth-based outfit Stirling Lions, who play in the second tier of Australian football.

It's a once-in-a-lifetime offer for Wilson, who has bagged a season-long contract with a substantial salary, effectively a full-time deal.

Accomodation and a company car are also part of the attractive package, as well as a coaching role with the Lions' academy and the prospect of promotion to A-League side Perth Glory, who have feeder club links with their State Division neighbours.

It's far cry from playing without a contract for Rangers and not a decision the 21-year-old would have taken lightly, after also leaving a secure day job as a community coach with Nottingham Forest.

But Wilson revealed not all have been understanding, after being subjected to messages of abuse on social networking site Facebook from a small minority of fans.

He said: "I was a bit disappointed with it, as some were being complete idiots. It's sad, because a lot of the fans that have been in touch have understood and wished me all the best.

"They are top quality fans at Rangers, a fantastic bunch of supporters. In fact, the directors, management and all the lads are top quality."

Wilson was as surprised as anyone when the offer came out of the blue, after signing up to a website advertising players in the country as a favour to an agent friend.

The midfielder thought nothing more of it until an offer of an contract came forth and, after mulling it over, the decision was to take the plunge.

He said: "My mate asked me to put my name on there, which I did to do him a favour so he could have some names on there, then I got an e-mail a few weeks later.

"The Stirling Lions manager must have come and watched one of our games, because a time after we played Blyth Spartans I was offered a deal. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity really and one I had to take.

"Unfortunately I have got to leave Stafford Rangers behind."