Rangers boss may face ex-club twice

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes could face his former club Newcastle Town in both FA competitions after the draw was made for the next round of the FA Cup.

The Rangers boss will face the team he left in the summer in the second qualifying round at Marston Road a week on Saturday, if Town win their replay at Stratford tonight.

And Clowes could also be heading to Castle in the FA Trophy first round on October 22, provided Town come through their qualifying tie at home to Woodford United on October 8.

Further progression for FA Cup for Rangers, who beat AFC Wulfrunians in the first qualifying round on Saturday, is worth £4,500 to the club, while there is £2,200 at stake in the trophy tie.

But Clowes is refusing to take it as a given that he will face his former club, where he spent four years in charge, at all.

He said: "We have potentially been drawn against them twice and I can't believe it, but they have got to get through first.

"It's pure speculation, at the moment, they could get beaten twice and then we wouldn't play them at all.

"The only thing I am focused on is that we are still in the FA Cup and we have got a home tie.

"The supporters want a nice run and I have said to the players 'it can take you anywhere, this FA Cup.'

"Whoever we play, the players will be up for it."

Rangers were also forced to release a club statement yesterday, declaring there was "not a shred of truth" in internet rumours that the playing budget was to be cut again.

Upon hearing the news, Clowes today further shot down the speculation.

He said: "If there was problems with the budget, I would like to think the club would have the decency to let me know first.

"The club haven't spoken to me about so, as far as I am concerned, there is no issue.

"The only things I listen to is what the board of directors tell me."