Rangers future down to Wellecomme

Stafford Rangers manager Chris Brindley insists captain Nick Wellecomme could still have a future at Marston Road despite his walk-out on the club.

The 11-goal striker was targeted by a section of fans in last Saturday's 3-1 home win over Vauxhall Motors, and was upset enough to not turn up for Easter Monday's 1-1 draw at Solihull Moors.

Wellecomme is again expected to be absent for the trip to Gloucester tomorrow, with on-loan defender Craig McAughtrie set to take the armband as previous vice-captain Tony Dinning has now left the club.

But the regular skipper has not burned his bridges at Marston Road, although Brindley is adamant any return will be the player's decision.

The manager said: "Nick was upset by a few fans last Saturday but the door is still open for him to come back to us. It's up to him, it's in his hands and he doesn't have any pressure from us, because we are all saddened by what has happened.

"We have spoken to him but it's ultimately his decision."

All Rangers have to do tomorrow is match bottom club Harrogate's result at home to Blyth Spartans to be sure of their place in the Blue Square North for next season, and can then turn toward bettering last season's finish of 18th.

Survival has always been the main priority, and Brindley is urging his 16th-placed side to play with freedom when mathematically safety is secure.

He said: "We have got three games left and every one is the same, so we have to try and do our best every time that we play. It looks like we are going to be safe, which is great, so let's carry on going.

"It's always been about remaining in the league, that is what we have been trying to do and we are nearly there."