Rangers offer Chris Flynn a return

Stafford Rangers are set to offer their former defender Chris Flynn the chance of a return to Marston Road.

Rangers have put in a seven-day approach to speak to the player, who is on the books of Evo-Stik Northern League rivals Nantwich.

Manager Greg Clowes hopes to speak to the 23-year-old on Monday while Flynn's former Nantwich team-mate, Lee McAnulty, has arrived on trial.

Flynn is an ex-professional who started his career at Crewe before drifting into non-league football, spending the 2007-08 season with Rangers.

His arrival would help ease a defensive crisis at Marston Road with Charlie Reeves departing the club to work overseas, while Karl Espley and Grant Goodhead are both injured.

Reeves leaves after Saturday's season opener at home to FC United of Manchester and, with the clock ticking, Clowes has taken action.

He said: "Chris is a very adaptable boy, he's two footed and can play anywhere across the back four and as a holding midfielder.

"I have done my home-work on this lad, I have spoken to people who have played with and managed him and those opinions have been very good."

McAnulty has been recommended to the Rangers boss by midfielder Kevin Street, who managed the 18-year-old at Nantwich last season and they could soon be team-mates.

Clowes will put on a training game between the squad tonight at Marston Road to take a closer look at the teenager and could sign him before Saturday's game.

The manager said: "Lee comes highly recommended by Kevin, who has worked with him, and we are taking a good look at him.

"Kevin has been a manager at this level of football, so you have got to listen to him sometimes.

"He looks the part, he's 6ft 4in, we have just got to take a look at him in a training match situation tonight."

Clowes has also reached a decision on the last of the trialists who have spent pre-season with the club.

Alex Forde, Joe Rogers and goalkeeper Jordan Wood have all signed non-contract forms, while James Marsden has been released although Gareth Barker is still training with the squad.

Former semi-professional footballer Dave Hall has also arrived at Marston Road as the club's new kitman.