Rangers striker targeted by Airbus

Stafford Rangers were today battling to keep striker Neville Thompson out of the clutches of Welsh Premier League side Airbus.

The Wingmakers have already put in a seven-day approach and will have permission to speak to the player on Sunday.

In the meantime, Thompson is set to start in Saturday's Evo-Stik Premier League game at Chorley, after three goals in his last two games.

The 25-year-old, who used to play in Wales for Caersws, is a top target for new Airbus manager Andy Preece after his move from Northwich.

But Rangers boss Greg Clowes, who lost Sean Kinsella and Chris Budrys to Northwich when Preece was in charge, will stand in the player's way.

Clowes said: "I have had a good chat with Neville and he's given me the impression that he's happy at Stafford Rangers.

"The least I would expect is that he sees the season out here, we have been very good to him and vice versa.

"I would be extremely disappointed to lose him and we will do all that we can to keep him at the club.

"But I don't think we can persuade him to stay, he's got to want to do it."

Thompson, who lives in Stoke, is on non-contract forms with Rangers and will likely be offered a contract to leave.

But Airbus, like Rangers, are a part-time team and the forward may decide he is better off at Marston Road.

The recent arrival of Chris Morris, a former team-mate in the youth ranks at Shrewsbury, could be another reason to stay.

Clowes said: "It would be a shame if that partnership, which looks like it could develop into a good one, is broken up after three games.

"He's been playing well and he's more than happy to have Chris up front with him."