Rangers chase a deadline day deal

Stafford Rangers were today planning a transfer deadline day raid to bring a defender to Marston Road on loan to shore up their leaky back-line.

Rangers have shipped eight goals in the last two games and have yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding 13 in total over the first six matches.

Manager Greg Clowes decided to act after Monday's 5-4 reverse at Hednesford and has approached the likes of Tamworth and AFC Telford for potential deals.

A commanding centre-half is the target and, although Rangers are not governed by transfer window rules that affect Football League and Blue Square Premier clubs, it has had a knock-on effect.

Tamworth, managed by former Rangers goalkeeper Marcus Law, and Telford, who have ex-Wolves and England winger Andy Sinton in charge, both are and may not let players go after tonight's 11pm deadline.

That applies to a great deal of clubs Clowes is trying to deal with and the Rangers boss believes he will have to push through a signing today.

He said: "I have spoken to both Tamworth and Telford, I have had good chats with both Marcus and Andy this week.

"If we do pick up a Conference player, I think the deal will be done today. After that, the deal will be dead in the water.

"I have made it clear that we need a no-nonsense centre-half, who clears his lines and is strong in both boxes, that's the sort of player I am after.

"People think it's dead easy to improve your squad at this stage of the season and it's very, very difficult."