Rangers losing Wayne Daniel battle

Stafford Rangers are losing the battle to entice Wayne Daniel back to Marston Road after their long-standing former captain joined Nuneaton on trial.

The defender joined up with their Blue Square North rivals for the first time last night, undergoing his first training session since being released from Worcester at the end of last season.

It made Daniel a free agent again after just one campaign away from Rangers, moving on last summer after seven years at Marston Road.

Manager Chris Brindley has already held talks with the 33-year-old about a return but cannot compete financially with Nuneaton, who are spending big to build on their promotion from the Southern League last season.

Former Rangers defender Stuart Pierpoint, who left the same summer as Daniel for Liberty Way, initially acted as the go-between with his manager Kevin Wilkin, who will run the rule over the big centre-half as pre-season continues.

Daniel still is not ruling out an emotional return to Rangers, but will not be drawn on a decision until one or the other offer a firm deal.

He said: "The gaffer there asked me to come and train with them, so you could say I am on trial in that respect. I will see how it goes, see if I enjoy it and then we will take it from there.

"I had a chat with Chris Brindley, explained my situation and he said to me that if Nuneaton have come in for me, he didn't think he would be able to compete but if I wanted to come back to Rangers I could.

"I wouldn't close the door on anything until I have signed somewhere, I am keeping an open mind until then and seeing what happens."

anything can happen