Rangers boss targets a top 10 finish

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes today targeted a top 10 finish for the club and told his players he expects better next year.

Rangers sit 12th in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League after Saturday's win over Frickley, with 22 games played out of 42 fixtures this season.

But, barring huge wins for Chasetown and North Ferriby United, Clowes' men will be bang on mid-table if they beat Nantwich on Boxing Day.

However, the manager is looking further ahead and is expecting a better points haul from his side in 2012.

Clowes all but ruled out a promotion challenge but is hoping for a barometer that would set up a play-off challenge in 2012-13.

The Rangers boss admitted he's unhappy with the points return so far but feels there's plenty left to play for between now and the end of April.

He said: "If we carry on as we are, we would be on 58 points for the season, which is a poor return for me.

"It would be enough to keep us in the division but I am not here just to keep us in the division.

"I am here to progress this club and set a good benchmark for next season, so we have a good target to beat.

"We are not a club that has aspirations of getting promoted. Without being negative, that's not on the agenda this season.

"If we can get in the top 10 this season, with the position we are in now, that would be a good season.

"That is my aim - and then to beat that we would have to get into the play-offs next season."