Rangers looking good for Ben Mills

Stafford Rangers striker Ben Mills believes the club have a sound base to work from the players who have showed their commitment in returning after the summer break.

The squad reported back for pre-season training last Thursday and will meet again tonight, which is likely to swell to about 15 players after 12 attended the first session.

Not present last week were defenders Craig McAughtrie and Grant Goodhead, along with goalkeeper Lee Evans and new assistant boss Steve Wynn, but all will be back on board by the time of the first friendly match at Biddulph Victoria next Tuesday night.

Only two players have been confirmed as signed but four more have verbally agreed terms, with manager Chris Brindley expecting to tie up more of his squad in the days ahead.

It's a stark contrast to last summer when Mills first arrived at Marston Road, with the club financially unable to offer contracts but this time round the 21-year-old was handed a season's deal, along with McAughtrie.

And the summer signing from Alfreton believes a settled ship will make all the difference in the Blue Square North season ahead.

He said: "It's a matter of what gets signed and who gets picked, but as it stands we have a good structure and I do think it's stronger than last year, in terms of the amount of players who are here and those who are signing.

"The strength of the squad already is looking better. It's like a settled ship already, whereas last summer there were players coming and going on trial, so it's a good base to go from.

"Last year I don't think the gaffer knew who would be here and who wouldn't by the big kick-off, so that has got to help our preparations for the new season."