Matt Elliott talks over Rangers job

Stafford Rangers caretaker boss Matt Elliott is to start talks about becoming manager permanently – with the blessing of his predecessor Tim Flowers.

Assistant manager Elliott was placed in charge after Flowers quit on Monday after just nine games at the helm and took the team for Tuesday's 2-0 defeat to local rivals AFC Telford.

Elliott will now prepare the players for Saturday's home game against Vauxhall Motors and his future could be decided in the boardroom during tonight's training session at Marston Road.

The former Leicester and Scotland defender will first put it to chairman Mike Hughes that he wants the job and the chairman is trying to arrange a swift meeting of the club's hierarchy so a quick decision can be made.

It could all be decided by the close of play tonight and the caretaker boss is keeping his fingers crossed he will given the green light to continue, after revealing Flowers has told him to go for it.

Elliott said: "I think Tim half expected that I would get the chance to pick up where he left off, he suggested that if I was given the opportunity I should grasp it with both hands.

"Believe me, no one would be happier than Tim if I was appointed manager and, more importantly, results improved."

The club are looking to make a swift appointment so there is as much time as possible to turn things around on the field.

Rangers are six points from safety in the Blue Square North, second bottom of the division and without a win in the league since September.

Flowers' first foray into non-league football failed after collecting just two points from eight games, but Elliott believes he can succeed.

He said: "If the board were kind enough to offer me the job I would welcome it gratefully, I would be absolutely delighted to take over at a club of the stature of Stafford Rangers.

"My eyes are open and I am aware of the restrictions in the non-league game so, in that sense, the frustrations wouldn't creep in with me as much as people might think.

"It's a big challenge for me, if given the opportunity."