Stafford welcomed back a fan favourite in the reserve game at Marston Road last night as Levi Reid returned to pull on a Rangers shirt for the first time in two years.

The hometown midfielder – famed for scoring the winning shoot-out penalty that booked the club a place in the Blue Square Premier in 2006 – played the full game in a 3-2 win against Bromsgrove’s second-string.

Now a free agent, the 25-year-old brings considerable pedigree after 72 appearances in the Football League for first club Port Vale, Macclesfield and 10 games for Oxford in the Blue Square Premier.

Family commitments have led to his decision to play part-time football, making him ideally suited to semi-professional club Rangers and their manager Chris Brindley.

Nick Amos – who partnered Reid in central midfield – believes the player can bring much to the squad.

He said: “He played alongside me in the centre of the park and did really well. Last night he looked a very good player. We have had a couple of training sessions with him and he’s looked very sharp.

“Levi just wants to train, play games and get involved. But if something we can be sorted out between the club and player, maybe it could be best for all parties.”

Amos’ 90 minutes was another boost for Rangers’ in his return from a rib injury, while goalkeeper Lee Evans played the first-half in a bid to recover from an ankle ligament tear.