Mutch returns as caretaker

Former Wolves striker Andy Mutch has returned to Marston Road as the caretaker manager of Stafford Rangers following the departure of Greg Clowes.

Mutch, pictured, who's also managed Burscough and Vauxhall Motors, is well know to the Staffordshire club having managed last season's groundshare tenants Northwich Victoria. When Mutch left the Vics in November 2012, the club were eighth in First Division South.

The 49-year-old was appointed at lunchtime on Monday, less than 24 hours after Clowes and his management team were relieved of their duties following the club's seventh straight defeat of the season on Saturday when they lost 3-0 at Chorley.

As a player Mutch made nearly 300 appearances for Wolves and also played for Swindon, Stockport County, Barrow, Southport and Telford United. His first task will be to raise spirits among a squad who've yet to register a point this season when Rangers host Marine on Tuesday night. He is also expected to be in charge on Saturday when they travel to Chasetown in the FA Cup's Preliminary Round.

Clowes had just entered his third season at the Marston Road helm and left after a meeting of the Rangers Board on Sunday. Assistant manager Doz Garner and coach Mick Hathaway were also shown the door. Under Clowes, who took over in the summer of 2011, Boro finished 16th and 15th in the NPL's top flight with his only success coming at the end of last season when they beat Walsall to lift the Walsall Senior Cup.