I hope you enjoyed the first issue of this bulletin. Positive feedback has been received as we try to make this a regular information document.

New Manager

The worst kept secret was made official when our new manager, Steve Burr was presented to the press and supporters recently. Steve is well known to the fans as he began his playing career here and became a firm favourite with the fans. He made his debut on 11 Feb 1981, scoring the only goal in a win against Kettering Town in a Midland Floodlit Cup tie. He was released at the end of 1983/84 season and joined Macclesfield, but returned to Rangers in the second half of the 1992/93 season. His final game came on 11 December 1993 and again he scored the only goal of the win against Witton Albion. His Rangers playing career saw him play 161 games scoring 52 goals. Once he finished playing, Steve became a well respected manager having taken the reigns at, Nuneaton Borough, Hucknall Town, Northwich Victoria, Stalybridge Celtic (twice), Kidderminster Harriers, Chester, and Southport. Steve also had a spell as assistant manager to the England non-league team. Steve now has the hard task this summer to build on the foundations laid down by Neil Kitching and his managerial team.

Junior Membership Launch

Stafford Rangers have launched a new Junior Membership initiative. Local businesses have partnered with Stafford Rangers to offer junior members some fantastic discounts.
Businesses involved are Flip Out Stoke, Clip n Climb, Catch Corner and the Stafford Rangers Club Shop. The junior membership costs £25.00 to join and includes many benefits such as: Free entry to home legue games, discounts from partner businesses and one turn per season to become a mascot. This membership is not to be missed! You can apply for yours today by calling 01785 602430 and speaking with our commercial team.

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.

Non-League Reorganisation

As soon as Frickley lost their play off semi final to Stamford, it was obvious that any winner from the NPL Division 1 South was going to be a side further South than us. It was almost certain that Stafford Rangers would be staying in the Northern Premier League as it’s most South Westerly side. In reality we are remaining with our roots, as we have been a traditional “Northern” team since we left the Birmingham Combination for the Cheshire League in 1952 and then the Northern Premier League from 1969. Sadly we will lose fixtures with the Midlands side South of us, but we gain Bamber Bridge, Basford, Hyde, North Ferriby, Scarborough and South Shields. Fans can look forward to some weekends in the Lake District and the North East if the fixtures come out right. While this was the FA directive, there have been numerous appeals by clubs regarding their allotment, and along with the withdrawal of Shaw Lane, the actual final placements may still be a while away, such that our long standing Derby WITH Hednesford could still be in the fixtures.

Pre Season Friendlies

As it stands at the moment we have arranged friendlies with:
Saturday 14th July Tamworth (home)
Tuesday 17th July Stafford Town (away)
Saturday 21st July Kidsgrove (away)
Tuesday 24th July Port Vale (home)
Saturday 28th July Birmingham City (home)
Saturday 4th August Chasetown (away)
Wednesday 8th August Leicester City (home)
Please note that pre season friendlies are subject to changes. Keep updated by checking official club website, facebook and twitter.
Prices:
Adults £6.00
Concessions £4.00
Under 16’s £1.00

Ask the Board

Following on from issue 1 we received 5 questions, all of which have been put to the board for their response.

1. Can you pay by debit/credit card at the turnstile ?
Very forward thinking, and this is something the football club will look into. The club are always on the lookout for new initiatives. Payment by card at the turnstile would make access easier for the customer, save time in the office calculating and banking cash and is therefore quicker and more secure.

2.What league are we going into next season ?
This has been answered by the recent FA re structuring, as per above. However, please remember that our geographical location puts us as a boundary side who could move between step 3 leagues.

 3. If we get promoted what league would we go into?
Promotion would see us go into step 2, and join the National League North as there are sides in this League further South than us.

 4. Are we having a shareholders AGM ?
Under current rules the club does not need to have an AGM. However, the chairman does consider that shareholders should have a general meeting to discuss current issues that shareholders should be made aware of. In the near future such a meeting will be arranged and shareholders will be informed. Shares are available to buy, please contact the club for details.

5. Concern has been raised over our media coverage of games?
Sadly, last season we lost the services of Mark Whittaker (Spoonie) due to a serious illness preventing him and his Partner, Pam from attending games. He is missed by all at Stafford Rangers and we wish him a speedy recovery. Mark and his wife organised and gave the fans video coverage of games, home and away, as well as running “goalshouter, and the away travel – all very time consuming. In their absence coverage has fallen to volunteers to film incidents and goals to report on facebook and twitter. On some occasions the film coverage has not been of the quality and quantity as previous, but the volunteers have tried their best. A mention must go to Mark Knocker White has provided a lot of film coverage in this time. The last 4 seasons has seen Al Gee doing the main coverage of games through our facebook and twitter feeds, while Jon Bennett has reported, whenever he has been free of work and family commitments. The club is aware that there are many reasons why fans cannot attend games, so the club is trying to give such fans a service they require, but we can only do this with eager and available volunteers. If you can fulfil such a role then please get in touch with the club. Thanks to Sally, Paul and Al, the club strives to keep fans updated.

Prior to this bulletin issue some more questions have been delivered and these will be addressed in the next issue. In the meantime, if you have a burning question, then please “ask the board” to get an honest and open answer.

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