Stafford Rangers sign Liam Newman

Stafford Rangers have signed free agent Liam Newman but face a wait to get the free-scoring striker fit so he is ready to make his debut for the club.

The 20-year-old has put pen to paper on non-contract forms at Marston Road after leaving Witton Albion, where he scored 17 goals last season.

That was despite Newman being hampered a hamstring injury at the end of the campaign, which led to his one-year deal not being renewed.

The former Burnley trainee looked to leave the promoted Evo-Stik Northern Premier League side in response and has jumped to a new league rival.

Rangers will now persevere with getting the forward fit enough to play and boss Greg Clowes has warned that will not be in time for their next game.

Matlock are the visitors on Saturday and Clowes has ruled his new addition out of the running as he will be going through a "mini pre-season."

He said: "Liam comes with a goalscoring record, there's no doubt about that, but we have got to work on his fitness, as it's nowhere near.

"He understands what we want from him and, when he's fit, we will have a player there, but I don't think he will be involved on Saturday.

"We need to give him, basically, a mini pre-season, he's got to do a little bit himself but he's injury free now.

"We are more than happy to have him on board but, obviously, the fans are not going to see him yet."