Contract signing in 15 Rangers deals

Stafford Rangers have signed 15 players after a whirlwind evening of activity at Marston Road saw a new playing squad take real shape.

Rangers boss Greg Clowes called all of his transfer targets to the club's ground last night and those that did attend signed up for next season.

Midfielder Glynn Blackhurst is the only player in the group to receive a long-term contract after leaving Nantwich, but Niall Maguire is set to go the other way after telling management he won't be returning to Rangers.

The other 14 players have signed non-contract forms with defender Charlie Reeves also coming from Nantwich, while only Grant Goodhead and goalkeeper Tom Turner have put pen to paper from last season's squad.

Clowes has brought almost his entire defensive unit with him from Newcastle Town last season in captain Paul Donnelly, centre-backs Karl Espley and 6ft 4in Ryan Dicker, along with left-back John Sheldon.

Goalkeeper Danny Read is another making the trip along with midfielder Dan Skelton and strikers Peter Heler, Alan Nagington and Chris Budrys.

Midfielders Mike Douglas and Mick Morton are also coming from Newcastle and complete the list, while Clowes is possibly even looking at bringing in a 12th player from Newcastle Town in striker Neville Thompson.

Thompson got 16 goals in 18 games under the manager's tutelage last season and could be reunited with him at Rangers.