Lee Evans exit sparks Rangers race

Stafford Rangers goalkeeper Lee Evans' decision to leave Marston Road and chase a move to AFC Telford has opened a three-way race to become the new No 1.

Evans has quit Rangers after being invited to spend pre-season with the Bucks, who have just been promoted to the Blue Square Premier.

The 28-year-old has spent the last two seasons as first choice at Marston Road but new Rangers boss Greg Clowes had brought his own No 1, Danny Read, to challenge for a place next season.

Read starred under Clowes at Newcastle Town and the highly-rated goalkeeper will slug it out with Evans' understudy, Tom Turner, for the jersey.

Gareth Barker, a free agent after his release from Welsh Premier League outfit the New Saints this summer, is also on trial at Rangers and, if signed, will also be expected to push for a place.

Clowes had wanted four goalkeepers in his squad for next season but will settle for three and the Rangers boss insists his new No 1 will be picked on merit.

He said: "It's up to them, there are no favourites and Danny Read is in exactly the same situation as the other two.

"It's an area where there is going to competition, if I tell any of the players they have a divine right to be in the team then I am being soft.

"I don't work like that, I like my players to be looking over their shoulders and fighting for places.

"Nine times out of 10 now you have a goalkeeper and a understudy, I am giving these three an opportunity to decide how they want to work it."