Rangers line up strong pre-season games

Stafford Rangers are set to take on a Europa League qualifier and two league clubs in a strong pre-season programme announced today.

Newly-promoted Rangers secured the Northern Premier League Dvision One South title last month to clinch a place in the premier division.

They open their warm up games at home to relegated Championship side Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday July 12 (7.45pm).

Rangers start with three home friendlies, with Premiership outfit West Bromwich Albion almost certainly to provide Neil Kitching's squad with a tough test on July 16.

Staffordshire neighbours Tamworth of the National League North then visit Marston Road on July 19.

Four away fixtures then follow for Rangers, starting with a trip to Llandudno on Saturday, July 23 (2.30pm).

The Welsh club, who now play on a 3G pitch, have just finished an excellent third in their debut Welsh Premier League campaign and have gained automatic qualification for the Europa League qualifiers.

Rangers' three following trips are against Staffs rivals, Newcastle Town (July 26), Kidsgrove Athletic (July 30) and Chasetown (Aug 2), all rivals that Kitching's side faced in their title-winning campaign.

Kitching also hopes to round off his pre-season schedule with a home game on Saturday, August 6, against opponents to be confirmed, and a week before they kick off life back in the NPL Premier division.