Stafford boss Steve Bull has launched an arduous search for a new striker after first choice Nick Wellecomme was jailed for eight months.

The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of affray and assault at Stafford Crown Court, in relation to an incident outside a kebab house on January 12.

He was sentenced to four months imprisonment on the charge of affray and eight months concurrent on the assault charge.

This came just two days after he was handed the captain’s armband, in the absence of injured defender Wayne Daniel, for Saturday’s goalless draw against Harrogate. He has been a virtual ever present in the side since joining the club in February.

Not withstanding the trauma to the player, it also leaves Stafford severly depleted in attack. David McNiven is now without a strike partner, with only Lindon Dovey and Paul McMahon naturally able to fill the breach.

Bully plans to recall Dovey from his loan spell at Stourbridge, while McMahon is only on non-contract forms anyway.

The Rangers boss knows he needs reinforcement and fast.

He said: “We have been on the phone all ready trying to get a striker in. We want a goalscorer, but everyone wants a goalscorer! They don’t come cheap either!

“We will try and get a striker in this week, but if not we shall look again after we have played Leek in the Staffordshire Senior Cup on Saturday.

“I certainly want someone in before we play Northwich in the Setanta Shield next Tuesday.”

The Wellecomme situation has been a particular headache for the Stafford manager and, after the outcome, it could not really get any worse.

Bull said: “This was the worse case scenario. Nick has just got to get his head down and do his time. I hope he becomes a better person for it. He will, of course, be supported by the club.

“I spoke to his Dad this morning and I told him that if we can help Nick in anyway to give us a shout.”

Another factor is whether the striker would continue to be paid by the club, despite not being able to play.

Bully didn’t know – but he will be finding out.

He said: “I don’t know, thats something I shall check with the club. I wouldn’t have thought so, because he is not playing.”