Four players are released by Rangers

Stafford Rangers today confirmed Glynn Blackhurst, Paul Donnelly, Dan Skelton and Alan Nagington will not be offered terms for next season.

The trio depart after just one year at Marston Road with midfielder Blackhurst under contract for the last campaign, which has now expired.

The 27-year-old was beset by back problems from the start of this year, which made it more unlikely he would be retained on his original deal.

Donnelly started 2011-12 as captain but lost his place and the armband to Michael Carr after a hamstring injury and suspension.

The 30-year-old, who made 12 appearances for Port Vale at the start of his career, had battled back into the team by the season's end.

Skelton became the team's utility man over the course of the campaign having operated at left-back, left wing and midfield for Rangers.

Nagington bowed out of the team after getting married over Christmas and missed most of January on his honeymoon.

Donnelly, Skelton and Nagington were all on non-contract forms but boss Greg Clowes won't be offering them deals for next season.

He said: "I have let these four lads go and it was a very tough decision for me, because I have worked with them for a while.

"They have not been offered new terms with us but I have explained my reasons for doing so and they have accepted it.

"Those players will move on and they are good lads."

The Rangers boss also revealed that negotiations are ongoing with the rest of the Rangers squad from last season.

But Clowes can only offer contracts, at present, as players can't be registered with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League until July 1.

He said: "We can sign players now but they can't be registered until July 1 and it's never a done deal until the league confirm it.

"I am keeping my cards close to my chest, but I have had discussions with a lot of players that I would like to keep.

"It's like a lot of the new players I have targeted, they have all been offered something but they have to get back to me."

Meanwhile, Rangers will retain the Stan Robinson Group as their main sponsors for the next year - despite his passing last month.

Stan's daughter Pauline and son Mark have agreed to extend the family's relationship with the club for another season.