Rangers signing bid fails

Stafford Rangers' bid to beat the transfer deadline and strengthen their squad ahead of tomorrow's top versus bottom Blue Square Premier clash at Torquay looked set to fail.

Manager Phil Robinson has been trailing a couple of signings, but has so far not concluded any deals.

"Both David Oldfield and myself were out watching players yesterday with a view to doing some business, but it doesn't look like it is going to happen before the deadline," said the Rangers boss.

"We still need to get some players in, but obviously they are going to have to fit within the budget and they need to be the right ones."

Bottom of the table Rangers are massive underdogs to take anything off leaders Torquay tomorrow, but Robinson remains unmoved.

"Ever since we've been in the Conference we've been used to being underdogs - it's a difficult task to go down there and compete against Torquay with their resources.

"We've been working hard this week on trying to find a way to get a positive result.

"We know what we are up against - Torquay are strong in every department and they have used their parachute payment from the Football League very well.

"But this is another challenge for us, another new team for Stafford to come up against and an opportunity for our players to pit their wits against one of the best teams in the division," said Robinson.

This will be the first ever meeting between the clubs, even taking friendlies into account.

Torquay are now managed by Paul Buckle, their former player who was with Exeter last season.

Rangers will have to take on the Gulls without defender Djoumin Sangare, who will miss his third game in a row as a result of a groin strain.

Rangers are already missing Del Olaoye, Nathan Talbott and Nathan Smith.

"We feel some of our strongest players are on the injured list at the moment and as well as looking to strengthen, we need to work hard to get those injured back, fit again as soon as possible," said Robinson.

Rangers (from): Alcock, Duggan, Sutton, Daniel, McAughtrie, Murray, Stones, Flynn, Street, Arnolin, Hazley, McNiven, Grayson, Adaggio, Manak, Richards, Hopkinson.