Rangers' challenge to trial players

Stafford Rangers manager Chris Brindley is hoping to polish some gems in the trial brigade currently at Marston Road to pad out his squad for next season.

Rangers currently have the likes of Justin Worthington, Tom Moss and Ben Love spending pre-season with them, ahead of the start of the Blue Square North season at Boston United on August 14.

Worthington came recommended to management while Moss played for Kidsgrove last season, but Love has the most impressive pedigree of all.

The Wolverhampton-born 19-year-old played came through the academy at Villa and played for England schoolboys, but fell from the radar after suffering a fairly serious knee injury.

Brindley is looking to tap into his undoubted ability and toughen him up for the unforgiving physical nature of non-league football, but will give him the chance at Marston Road if he proves up to the grade.

Love's versatility also appeals to the Rangers boss, as a comfortable operator at right-back or anywhere in the centre.

Building up a squad on a budget, the manager is looking for players who can put pressure on first-team regulars in a number of positions.

He said: "Ben is a young lad and obviously one we are having a look at, because we need to get a bit of strength in depth.

"It's a big step up to play in this league, whatever your pedigree, but we need two or three of these lads to progress and adapt for our squad."

Brindley is continuing to play the waiting game in bringing in new players from outside the club, but will be not going out pot-less into the transfer market.

He added: "There will be more senior players arriving in the next few weeks and I have got a good chunk of my budget left to spend."