Rangers target link up with Wolves

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes could ask for help from Wolves to boost his playing squad as he looks to kick-start the club's season.

The Rangers boss has been left fuming by their FA Cup exit to Midland Alliance minnows Stratford last Saturday, further highlighting the inconsistency from the team.

Only three days earlier, Rangers had won at Evo-Stik Northern League leaders Northwich and it's at the back where Clowes believes most of their problems lie.

The Marston Road chief abandoned his search for a centre-back with Grant Goodhead and Karl Espley on the way back but Goodhead has left the club, although Espley could return at Ashton United on Saturday.

And Clowes could ask for help from their Premier League neighbours, who last loaned them a player when Wolves legend Steve Bull was Rangers manager, Liam Hughes joining for a month in 2008.

It was a disaster - Hughes made three appearances at a cost of £500 per week - but Clowes is ready to try again and plans talks with Wolves development coach Steve Weaver and academy manager Kevin Thelwell.

He said: ""My immediate priority is a centre-half, it's certainly on the agenda. I feel that's the area where we have been the worse, although we haven't been consistent anywhere too much.

"I can't believe this club hasn't got any links to Wolves, they are the closest pro club to us, so I will be speaking to them to see if that is possible.

"I have got the reserve team and academy manager's telephone number."

Espley's return is a boost for Rangers having yet to play a competitive game for the club this season, while Kevin Street will also be in the squad if he comes through tonight's training session.

Clowes said: "If Kevin comes though tonight's training session, he will definitely be in the 16."