Rangers could be reprieved from drop

Stafford Rangers were today looking into the possibility of a sensational reprieve from relegation from the Blue Square North.

Chairman Mike Hughes revealed at an open meeting of shareholders and fans at Marston Road last night that there was an outside chance that Rangers could escape the drop after all.

It's due to the fall out of Rushden & Diamonds, who could yet appeal, being expelled from the Blue Square pyramid.

Subsequent rulings saw Southport reprieved in the Blue Square Premier while Thurrock, by virtue of a better points average than Rangers, also remained in the Blue Square South.

But Bishops Stortford are appealing against the decision to move them from the Blue Square South to the Blue Square North in the reshuffle.

They argue that it could financially ruin the club, as a Hertfordshire-based outfit playing in a northern division.