Rangers boss had to thank the fans

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes today revealed he went onto the away supporters coach to address the fans at the last game of the season.

Rangers finished 16th in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League after seeing out their campaign with a 4-3 defeat at Frickley on Saturday.

The match was typical of the inconsistency that Clowes has bemoaned in his first season in charge - at 3-0 and 4-1 down during the game.

But the Rangers boss feels the fans are on his side as he makes plans for the future, with the club struggling to live up to their past glories.

The two-time FA Trophy winners were a top-flight club in non-league football four years ago but have suffered two relegations since.

And Clowes felt he had to address the supporters face-to-face to show his gratitude for their role in the season.

He said: "I went onto the supporters bus, stood at the end and thanked them for the support they have given myself and the players.

"The fans have been superb this season, we have given them some good days and bad days and there was probably 80 of them there on Saturday.

"I told them what my expectations were for next season and the season after, I have been very honest with everyone and that's all I want in return.

"The fan base is there and has always been there, I look upon the supporters as one big happy family.

"I feel the club is united, I really do."