New Stafford signing Lee Evans has been challenged to claim the No 1 goalkeeper’s berth next season in his maiden voyage into the Blue Square North.

The 25-year-old became the club’s first summer signing this week after joining from Chasetown, after two years at the Scholars Ground under manager Charlie Blakemore.

He was part of the side that reached the FA Cup third round in 2008, even keeping goal against Cardiff in the tie.

A former Southern League player of the year in his position while at Bromsgrove, he spent most of last season jostling with Ryan Price for a starting spot.

Now the ex-Hereford youngster has been handed the chance to play at a higher level, with the jersey at Marston Road up for grabs after Tim Sandercombe joined Mansfield.

But teenager Danny Allen might have something to say about that, after serving as understudy to both Sandercombe and previous first-choice Danny Alcock.

The 19-year-old views this season as his big chance and will push Evans for a place, leaving manager Chris Brindley to lay down the marker to his goalkeepers.

The Rangers boss said: “Lee will come for pre-season and I would expect him to be fighting for that No 1 spot.

“Danny is here as well, he will not make it easy for him and if I have got two highly motivated goalkeepers jostling for one spot then that is great for the club.

“It’s hard to say who will start really, they have all next month to make their case to me.”