John Hayne steps down from the board

At the end of a board meeting on Friday afternoon 30th January John Hayne announced that he was resigning immediately as both Chairman and Director of Stafford Rangers Football Club Ltd.

John was appointed a Director in July 2019 and was elected Chairman by the directors in February 2025.

We thank him for all his hard work, commitment, and support during often difficult and challenging years for the club where he demonstrated resilience and determination to try to play a part in ensuring the club looked forward.

Challenging Times

The years were sometimes tempestuous given the team’s struggles on the pitch. The Chairman of a football club will always be a target for fans expressing their discontent at tough times.

Some of those accusations were framed in fact, but the level of intensity from some fans went well beyond the level of acceptable behaviour on social media, especially in the last few months.

What fans and shareholders did not see was the daily support and involvement he had with the club making him the ‘go to’ director for any issues be it operational challenges in the social club or problems in and around the ground. They are not glamourous but are vital and are often imperative to ensure our continuity.

John also financially helped the club putting money in to facilitate short term cash flow issues and most notably agreed to provide the funding for a commercial loan to the club in 2023. The Board proposed the nature and structure of the loan.

New Investment

New investor Nathan Owen’s first connection was with John in December, and his words of encouragement paved the way for subsequent interactions with the board culminating in his investment. 

The Board unanimously approved the investment proposal negotiated with Nathan Owen and George Bruneau in January which will eventually hugely benefit the football club.

The commitment is total and monies are invested through shares not as a loan requiring some form of financial return with interest.

Changing Times

There needs to be a culture change now at the club with a board willing and able to deliver a structure and skill set to give it the opportunity to move forward.

The board will expect that directors, staff, and volunteers all work in a professional manner compliant with all regulations.

A new Chairman will be appointed in the next couple of weeks.

We recognize that these are challenging times for the club on the pitch. Everyone has a vision and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we ask that this be respectful and, in a manner, and tone that carries as many as possible along for the journey ahead.

Best Wishes

John Hayne comments:

“I was honoured to be the Chairman over the last year and enjoyed my time at the club. I wish the club all the very best for the future”

We thank John Hayne for carrying the helm at the club for the past year it is not an easy job and sincerely wish him all the best and happiness in the years ahead.

Stafford Rangers Board