Boss urges hit-man to snub Rangers move

STRIKER Ben Mills has been warned against making a 'step too far' following renewed interest from Stafford Rangers.

The 20-year-old Leek Town striker, who picked up two awards at the club's presentation night, remains a target for the cash-strapped Blue Square North side. But Blue boss Wayne Johnson believes Mills' best interest will be served by remaining at Harrison Park for at least another term.

"That's just not in terms of Leek Town – it's for the player himself as well," said the manager. "And I have told him that.

"He's talking with Stafford which I know about from last season. He's now considering that option. But if he makes that step too early it can knock him back. At the end of the day he will make his decision and hopefully, whatever it is, it will work out for him. I've made my feelings known and think it might be a step too far too soon for him. But it was probably a big step to come to Leek so who knows."

Mills, who previously starred in Leek's youth team, re-joined the Blues last September and went on to finish second top scorer with 13 strikes to his name. But if the 20-year-old does exit Harrison Park the manager says his departure will not have a cataclysmic effect on the club. And Johnson already has a number of 'irons in the fire' to ensure Town have sufficient strength in the striker department.

The Blues boss is involved in talks with three as yet unnamed strikers. One is a current UniBond First Division forward while the other two are from leagues higher and lower than Town's current division.

"If all three want to come it's better for me and the club," said Johnson. But besides those targets, Johnson is aiming to retain the same crop of players who posted an encouraging set of results towards the back end of last season. The only other addition is likely to be another keeper to provide competition between the sticks.

"It was very positive over the final stages besides the odd slip up with a couple of draws," said the manager. "The core of the side is already there."

And Leek Town's current situation is a welcome change from the end of the 2007/08 campaign when the Blues suffered a mass exodus of players.

"It's a lot more comfortable," admitted Johnson.