Rangers opt to release Courtney Pitt

Stafford Rangers boss Greg Clowes warned more players could follow Courtney Pitt out of Marston Road after releasing the midfielder.

Pitt was an unused substitute in last night's 3-1 defeat at Marine and made his final start for the club in last weekend's 2-0 loss to North Ferriby.

And striker Simon Everall could be the next to leave after league rivals Nantwich, who Rangers beat to his signature in the summer, made their move.

A seven-day approach to speak to Everall is up and the 22-year-old told club secretary Robbie Mullin after the Marine game he was expecting to go.

Top scorer Danny Quinn also raised the ire of Rangers boss Clowes by failing to take part in the post-match warm down with his team-mates.

Former Portsmouth and Cambridge player Pitt, 31, was told today to find another club but Clowes insists he is merely clearing the decks.

He said: "I won't make Courtney a scapegoat, he won't be the first to leave. I see him as a left sided lad and I have got two others there.

"I explained to him that I don't think he has the legs to compete in central midfield. At the end of the day, I feel I have cover in his area."

Clowes added that he won't try and talk Everall into staying at the club if he has decided to move on.

He said: "If Simon does move, that's his decision. If he wants to go, I won't stand in his way."

The Rangers chief is threatening to make more changes with the mood in the camp strained after three league wins from 13 games.

Clowes has asked Nuneaton about loaning midfielder Ben Ford, 18, after missing out on Ashley Dunn, who is signing for Workington.

He said: "I have got to put pressure on the players because I am sure there is pressure on me, but I can handle that.

"I have got a big heart for this football club but some of the players haven't got it in them and it's very disappointing for me.

"Three league wins out of 13 is a poor return, I have brought players in and, collectively, they haven't done it here.

"I am on the look out in every position. There are certain players who, if they don't pick up, are going to be out."