Kevin Street in shock Rangers return
Former midfielder and caretaker boss Kevin Street has returned to Stafford Rangers in the hope of reviving his playing career at Marston Road.
Former midfielder and caretaker boss Kevin Street has returned to Stafford Rangers in the hope of reviving his playing career at Marston Road.
Street was the surprise face among the ranks as a much-changed squad reported back for pre-season training last night, in their first session under new manager Greg Clowes.
Sean Kinsella, who finished last season with Rangers, was also present, although the ex-Plymouth playmaker has landed a two-day trial with full-time club Stockport County.
But there was no Lee Evans, the first-choice goalkeeper for two years, who is expected to sign for an unnamed club after being made an offer.
All in all, 22 players were put through their paces at the Shamblers training ground in Butterton, Staffordshire last night by the new management team, with assistant boss Dorian Garner taking the squad to the surrounding areas for hill runs.
Street and Kinsella were joined by fellow trialists Danny Edwards, Josh Skidmore, Nathaniel Jones, Sean Jones and Jack Allen.
Rangers have already signed 15 players for next season and are looking to tweak, rather than overhaul the squad, but Street and Kinsella are in contention to land deals.
Kinsella's future depends on the outcome of his trial but Street, who has occupied the home dug out where Clowes will reside next season, is keen on playing again.
The 33-year-old has been out of football since being sacked as boss of Nantwich in March but has a wealth of experience in the game.
Street had spells at Crewe, Luton, Northwich, Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury before joining Rangers in 2005.
His time in caretaker charge of the team came with fellow player Neil Grayson in 2008, bridging the managerial reigns of Phil Robinson and Steve Bull.
A role behind the scenes is not on the agenda this time, but boss Clowes is keen to see what he can do on the pitch.
He said: "Sometimes managers get a little bit wary of people who they bring in because they might fancy their job, but I certainly don't see that with Kevin Street.
"Kevin is as keen as mustard and his first words to me were 'I want to come and try to get into your team Greg.'
"He's got pedigree, there's no doubt about that. If he can keep himself fit, he's got the experience to be a player for us.
"If you watch a lad of 33 on the pitch, he will probably do less running in a game and be more effective than a 23-year-old."
Rangers' outside chance of a reprieve from relegation from the Blue Square North has also come to an end.
Bishops Stortford missed the deadline to appeal against the FA's decision to switch them from the Blue Square South to the Blue Square North.
Their only hope of staying in their desired league is if Rushden & Diamonds win their appeal against explusion from the Blue Square pryamid.
