We hope to keep this a regular event to keep fans informed of things happening in and around the football club.

New Season

The new season is always an important date in the calendar of any football fan. That long summer with anticipation of the fixtures coming out, new faces at pre-season games and then the big kick off. This close season has seen many changes, with a new manager and players he has brought in. It also meant that a lot of fans trying to work out new players on trial. This close season has seen Mr and Mrs Triallist very proud with lots of their sons getting game time. Steve has amassed his squad with some astute experienced signings and has also shown that he is not afraid to give youth an opportunity. We kick off our home games with a midweek fixture with Grantham tonight and then another long journey to new boys South Shields. We played South Shields in the cup last season and made a few friends with their travelling fans, so we hope to develop that friendship further. Bank holiday sees a home game with Mickleover followed by two games of big significance. Steve Burr’s old club Stalybridge visit us on September 1st, followed by “El chasico” where we visit rivals Hednesford. To some this is a very hard start to the season, but you have to play everyone twice so lets get the tough games out of the way, and who knows we could be near the top by then.

Interview With Steve Burr

I took the opportunity to interview Steve for some information for the bulletin. This is very good timing following his half page spread in last week’s non-league paper. Steve had made everyone aware that he would be leaving Stalybridge at the end of the season and he was aware that there would be a managerial vacancy at Stafford. He was approached by another club in our league but turned them down once he was approached by Stafford Rangers. Steve was delighted to accept the job as he has fond memories as a player and knew the potential of the club, and to come back to manage them is like a dream come true. The publicity of the budget cut from last season’s figure had no bearing on his decision, having worked at many clubs where finances are tight. He has brought in players who want to be here and fit in with the structure of the club. Steve is happy with his squad so far and knows if we can get it right on the pitch, we will attract more fans which could see an increase in the players budget. Steve understands we are a big club in this league, but he does not see the budget as an issue saying that clubs always give a “false” account of what they spend. With his experience he has a good idea of what teams pay and he sees his budget about half way in this league. Steve is like any fan in wanting a cup run, as this can put your club in the spotlight. He has been lucky to be involved as a player and manager over the years in some great cup ties, and now there is the incentive of increased prize money. He is aware that the name of Stafford Rangers has not appeared in the later stages of the cup so let’s change that. Steve does not Favour any formation other than getting the best out his players and getting them to express themselves. Steve is constantly watching football to study tactics and formations and other teams and players. He also has scouts looking out and keeping him informed, and we always look ahead at teams we are due to play. Over the years Steve has built up a lot of contacts. He is fully supportive of the academy starting next season. I said to Steve that he has not come out with any bold statements that managers make, such as National League in 3 seasons. Steve said that he never makes predictions but will give 100% to everything he does and expects his plyers and staff to do the same. The aim is to finish as high as we can. Steve is aware that an early fixture is against his old club Stalybridge. He does not anticipate any issues, as Stalybridge are a great club with great people behind the scenes, and he is looking forward to seeing them, as he is sure they will with him. All the clubs he has been involved with he has parted on the best of terms which is how it should be and is proud that when he returns he is always welcomed. To close Steve told me that his golf handicap is 9.

Lottery

 For a minimum monthly outlay of £5 you receive 5 numbers giving you a chance to win one of three cash prizes with a first prize of £500.  The intention of the football club is to use all money raised to go towards ground improvements/infrastructure. Not only is this a great way to win money but it helps the football club improve the infrastructure. This lottery is not just for fans as anyone can participate and if societies and organisations join up they can receive favourable commission. If you as an individual or someone as part of a community group wish to take part, then please click the button below and print out the mandate and return to the club.

Have no printer?
Simply call into the club office for a copy.

FA Youth Cup

Stafford Rangers this season will be competing in the FA Youth Cup. We enter in the Preliminary Round and entertain Stourbridge. Keep a check on the club’s official media sites for further details, but it looks like it will take place on Thursday 6th September with a 7:30 kick off, and admission being £5 adults, £3 concessions and children £1. The winners progress into the qualifying rounds and will be away to the winners of the Lye Town v Lichfield City tie.

Ask the Board

After the issue of the last bulletin one fan asked a series of questions which were put to the board. Sadly some of the questions cannot be answered due to legality and sensitive nature of the questions asked all questions have been answered by the Chairman John Bromley.

1. What is the latest update on debts? Specifically after a stat of how much this is being reduced by year on year (the actual loan not interest payments)
The bank loan is being paid back at £10,000 per year

2. Is the money coming from directors being converted into loans that put us further into debt?
All monies paid to Stafford Rangers is non refundable.

 3. Specifically was Gary Cater allowed to have his investment in loans having been told this would never be allowed to happen again?
For legal reasons it is not possible for the club to reveal specific details concerning individuals about financial matters.

 4. Dave Montgomery as a chief shareholder being frustrated and leaving, as a key investor the fans are wondering why a volunteer has more influence and power than someone who has put his money where his mouth is. And if a shareholder wants his loans back, has a director reached out and tried to repair that relationship and if so what was the result of that?
David Montgomery is still a valuable member of our team here, he helps when he can and he obviously has his reasons for resigning. It is not up to the club to discuss specific details; if David wishes to expand on this then it is up to him.

5. After all the talk of new board investment needed, can you please address that Alan Smith was turned down with his investment to join the board?
I have no knowledge of anyone wishing to join the board. I am working tirelessly to find new board members and have had meetings with various people. If anyone is interested then they are welcome to speak to me at any time.

6. What was the real reason for letting Kitch go, as we didn’t know what league we were in when you used that as our chief reason in an interview?
Neil Kitching informed the board well before the end of the season and well before we knew what league we were in that he would be unable to continue if we were placed in the Northern section. We felt that we couldn’t wait until the last minute and needed someone who could commit whatever league we would be in. We also had to cut the budget because some of the attendances during the season were not enough to sustain the budget. Neil did a great job at Stafford Rangers and we wish him all the best in whatever he does next.

7. How much consolidating do we have to do as a club? What are our real ambitions when it comes to league positioning next year, regardless of North/South?
Our new management have high hopes for this season and everyone here will be supporting them as much as we can. Obviously we aim to finish as high as we possibly can.

 If you have a burning question, then please “ask the board” to get an honest and open answer.

The Bryan Adams Effect

Stafford Rangers bring the UK’s favourite Bryan Adams tribute show, The Bryan Adams Effect. This band is made up of a band whose musicianship speaks for itself, they must be heard and seen to believe it. A guaranteed crowd pleaser that will have any crowd practically screaming for one more encore. Ticket price includes entry and disco after the show. .

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