Three clubs go for Rangers captain

Three clubs have been in touch with Stafford Rangers captain Craig McAughtrie in a bid to lure him away from Marston Road.

McAughtrie is attracting interest from two Blue Square North teams, where he plied his trade last season, and one Evo-Stik Premier League outfit, where Rangers expect to be dropping into after relegation.

The skipper would not disclose the clubs involved but revealed that one from each level is closer than Rangers to his Derby home, a big pull in his current circumstances.

The 30-year-old is to become a father for the second time in two weeks and doesn't want to spend more time away from home than necessary, but wants to carry on playing in addition to his day job as a policeman.

And McAughtrie wants to speak to Rangers before making any call about his future.

He said: "Three clubs have contacted me and I have told them I haven't spoken to Stafford yet, it's unfair do anything on that front until I know what is going on there.

"I have spoken to a few of the players and they are in the same boat, it's still early days yet but I have told these clubs I would speak to them again in a couple of weeks.

"I have just got to weigh everything up really, the majority of my football over the last 10 years has been at Stafford so I owe them a lot.

"Money is not so much of an issue, there used to be a time when I was trying to look for decent money, but the last few years has been about enjoying it and playing every week."

McAughtrie also admitted his family will play a factor in his decision.

He said: "I have got to do what is best for them - if I am working late a couple of nights a week and training twice, some days I am going out at 7am and getting in at 10pm or 11pm at night, four evenings out of five.

"Then, with playing football on Saturdays, I just don't see my wife and she's getting no support with the kids."