Johnson's Rangers stint at an end

On-loan defender Jermaine Johnson appears to have reached the end of the road with Stafford Rangers after returning to Derby County.

The 19-year-old left the club after Tuesday night's 2-0 derby win against AFC Telford, and is now looking to pursue a move to a full-time club to continue his development.

Johnson was recently given a professional contract at Pride Park until the end of the season, and Rangers now have to either sign him permanently or loan him for the rest of the campaign.

After three separate one-month spells at Marston Road, the former Chelsea youngster feels his time will be better served at a bigger club and will enhance his chances of a deal for next season.

A move into the Football League is the preferred option and will keep him further in the thoughts of Derby boss Nigel Clough, but other options are under consideration.

But, in any event, it appears his time with Rangers is over and assistant boss Darren Read has wished the promising teenager all the best.

He said: "Jermaine has gone back to his club now and it's very unlikely that he can come on loan for the rest of the season, now they have extended his deal at Derby.

"The lad sat down with me and the manager, he feels that he needs to go to a Football League club next or maybe even abroad to keep himself in the full-time game.

"We can understand that and we appreciate the lad's honesty. But it's a good job we have two centre-halves in Curtley Williams and Manny Udoji who are capable of forming a good partnership."