Rangers boss is targeting a fast start

Stafford Rangers manager Greg Clowes wants his side hit the ground running when they travel to Kendal on the opening day of the new season.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League fixtures were released this week and Rangers face a long trip up north at the start of their campaign.

Kendal, managed by former Albion and England under-21 striker Lee Ashcroft, finished mid-table and five places above Rangers last season.

But Clowes' men took three points at Parkside after a 1-0 win last September, the now-departed Liam Shotton with the only goal of the game.

Back-to-back home matches against Grantham and Stocksbridge Park Steels on the following Tuesday and Saturday come after the opener.

However, Clowes won't look too far ahead with a month today to go until the big kick-off and a pre-season friendly trip on the agenda.

He said: "Whatever hand your dealt with the fixture list, you deal with it week to week and that's why I don't look into it too much.

"Kendal started last season off very well and we have got to make sure we hit the road running, but we are a mile off that yet.

"All I am interested in, at the moment, is Heath Hayes tomorrow night."

Rangers finished 16th last season in their first year after relegation from the Blue Square North, which was considered a disappointment.

But nine new signings have arrived at Marston Road this summer and Clowes is confident that they can climb up the league.

He said: "We have got to improve next season, simple as and if these players play to their potential, it's going to give us a better chance.

"I look at the squad this year compared to the squad last year and, on paper, I feel these are a better set of players.

"But paper doesn't win you games, performances win you games."