Thorley hoping Rangers stick together

Stafford Rangers midfielder Tom Thorley believes that if the core of this season's side can be kept at Marston Road improvement in the club's fortunes will continue.

The 20-year-old completed his first full season at the club last weekend, having originally joined on loan from Stoke back in July 2008.

Thorley has been a near ever-present since making the move permanent last summer after his release from the Britannia Stadium, helping Rangers to build on last season's relegation escape with a Blue Square North finish bettered by two places in 16th with an improved home record on 2008/09.

And the hometown star believes the outlook will only get brighter if the likes of himself, goalkeeper Lee Evans, central defender Craig McAughtrie and captain Nick Wellecomme stick around for the cause.

He said: "We have got a good base to build on, so if we can keep the majority of the squad together and make a few additions then we have a good chance of pushing up the league next season.

"I would say our position is healthier then it was this time last year."

Last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Workington in the final game of the season capped a busy week for Thorley, who represented his country over in Scotland playing for the England Universities team.

The Rangers playmaker was eligible through his studies at Worcester University, where he is midway through a Sports Science degree, and was involved in all three games over three days.

Thorley featured against Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland with the matches staged at Scottish Premier League club Hearts' training facilities.

He said: "It was an amazing experience. I was alright when I got back, I suppose with it being the last game of the season I was still running on adrenalin a bit."