Paul Donnelly set for Rangers role

Stafford Rangers new-boy Paul Donnelly has moved into pole position to become the club's new captain.

Rangers will definitely have a new skipper next season after Craig McAughtrie decided to stay in the Blue Square North and sign for Hinckley.

And Donnelly, arriving into the club on non-contract forms this summer, could be the man at Marston Road.

The 30-year-old was new boss Greg Clowes' captain at their former club Newcastle Town and has significant experience, starting out as a professional at Port Vale.

But the centre-back has been warned by the Rangers manager that he is not certain of the armband, unless he applies himself in pre-season.

Donnelly is one of a clutch of new players that rose to 16 over the weekend, with the signing of Kidsgrove Atheltic striker Liam Shotton.

Shotton, a target for former Rangers boss Chris Brindley two seasons back, has signed non-contract terms and could be led by Donnelly in 2011-12.

Boss Clowes said: "We are looking at possibly playing three centre-halves next season, with Paul Donnelly as the sweeper behind the other two.

"He's very much in with a shout of the captaincy this year, as he's been my skipper for the last three seasons at Newcastle Town.

"He's a quality player who is very good on the ball but what I look for in my captain is the respect he has on the pitch, also I need to have a good relationship with him.

"I have an extremely good relationship with Paul but I am not going to say it's concrete that he is going to be the captain.

"If somebody else comes in for pre-season and shows a little bit more desire, I will have to look at that."

Rangers have also restructured their backroom staff, with new roles for youth team coach Mick Hathaway and reseve team boss Andy Bates.

Hathway is effectively a first-team coach after being asked to work with the team while Bates becomes a scout, running the rule over future opponents.