Rangers want to keep Alex Hedley

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes today revealed he will be retaining Alex Hedley for next season after the teenager broke through to the first-team.

Hedley made his Evo-Stik Northern Premier League debut in Saturday's final home game of the season, a 2-0 defeat to Buxton at Marston Road.

The 18-year-old was drafted into defence with Karl Espley suspended, with Ryan Dicker's absent through illness for a third successive match.

Despite the loss, Clowes was happy with the contribution of Hedley, who has an up-and-down season since joining the club in November.

The Stoke academy product struggled with a long-running hamstring injury before battling back to fitness with a loan spell at Eccleshall.

And Clowes, while voicing his wish to keep the player, admitted another loan ext season will be considered to extend his first-team experience.

But the Rangers boss wants him at a higher level than the North West Counties League Division One, so there will be no return to Pershall Park.

In the meantime, Hedley will pick up his second Rangers start in Saturday's finale at Frickley Athletic, as Luke George is suspended.

Clowes said: "Alex could be one for the future for us, we will be with us next season because we need to have a look at him.

"He's been out on loan at step six and, really, if he's going out again next season it needs to be at a higher level.

"He did quite well on Saturday, he was thrown in like a lamb to the slaughter but he did OK, I was pleased with him.

"He's got a good attitude and he's very mature for his age."