Rangers boss wants Darlington test

Stafford Rangers boss Greg Clowes today warned 'six of the best' will enter the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League next season - and possibly even Darlington.

The troubled Quakers, just relegated from the Blue Square Premier, are waiting to see where the Football Association will elect them to.

Due to the financial issues that have plagued the former Football League club, Darlo are unlikely to be allowed into the Blue Square North.

Rangers' league or the division below appear their only options and that's just fine with Clowes, who is happy to pit his wits against a club of that size.

He said: "If Darlington were to come into our league, that would be really good, I would be pleased with that.

"I am not worried about long trips, they are a club with a great history like Stafford Rangers have.

"I am sure, if they were to join our league, it would only make it better."

Rangers will definitely go up against Blyth Spartans, Eastwood, Grantham, Ilkeston, AFC Flyde and Witton Albion next season.

Clowes believes they all pose a threat, although he insists none will match the impact of last season's runaway champions Chester.

He said: "All six teams that are coming into this league are going to make it stronger, but I am looking forward to it.

"Grantham have been promoted along with Ilkeston, they were very good last season and will have big budgets.

"Then you have got AFC Flyde and Witton Albion, Flyde have Dave Challinor as manager who is very experienced.

"Witton are taking the place of Northwich, really, and we also have Blyth Spartans and Eastwood coming down.

"But I don't think there's anybody quite in line with what Chester did last season, so it could closer at the top this time."