Unite for Access

Unite for Access

We’re back

Unite for AccessThis is a reminder to you all that our game against Witton Albion this Saturday at 3pm will be dedicated to the unite for access campaign.

This campaign celebrates and inspires good access and inclusion at sports venues, which Stafford Rangers FC fully supports.

To show our support, we are again inviting all new disabled fans with a blue badge, as well as their guardian or carer if they require one, to the game for free.

The first team will also be showing their support by coming out onto the pitch before kick off in t-shirts dedicated to the unite for access campaign.

The clubs Equality, diversity, and inclusion officer, Heather Rose, will also be available at the game and can be found in the disabled stand. Please feel free to speak to her if there are any further improvements the club can make.

We hope everyone attending the game has a fantastic day, as we continue to celebrate access and inclusion at the home of Stafford Rangers FC.

Stafford Rangers FC

 

 

 

George Machin RIP

George Machin RIP

We will remember you George

George MachinIt is with sadness that we report the death of a Rangers legend, George Machin.

George was a player from 1965 to 1973 and made 398 appearances for the club, primarily as a left half. He was a member of the successful 1972 squad that won both the NPL and FA Trophy but had already achieved legendary status among Rangers fans when he played in goal in the 2nd Leg of the Cheshire Senior Cup final.

George originally signed for Stoke City from school and went on to play for the Potters as an apprentice professional for three years. He then signed for Doncaster Rovers as a full time professional but returned to Stoke on Trent after one year having not made a first team appearance. He took on employment as a Jollier at Allied Insulators but continued playing football, now as a semi-professional.

At the start of the 1964/65 season, he joined Bangor City of the Cheshire County League. His stay in North Wales only lasted a few months and in December he joined fellow Cheshire League side, Witton Albion.

At the end of the season, Jack Bonnell, the scout who had initially recommended him to Doncaster, alerted Stafford Rangers to Machin and he made his debut for the Boro in a 0-0 draw away to Stockport County Reserves on 21 August 1965. The team was Phil Lockett, Mick Gibbs, Carroll Windsor, Jim Sargeant, Bob Walters, George Machin, Colin Askey, Terry Burgin, Les Box, Colin Hutchinson, Jimmy Wallace.

George’s moment in the headlines came in May 1968 when Rangers, holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, travelled to Runcorn for the second leg of the Cheshire League Cup final.

Goalkeeper Phil Lockett failed to show up and Machin stepped in as an emergency keeper. Although he was beaten once, he had, according to Paul Butters’ Cinderella Story, the game of his life and made a superb save late on which helped Rangers to a 1-1 draw which was enough to bring the cup back to Stafford for the first and only time.

In 1969, Rangers joined the NPL and George formed a partnership with Graham Chadwick who, Machin said, was the best player that he played alongside.

During the 1971/72 season, George was an ever present in the NPL and FA Trophy and played an incredible 72 games. The following season saw him lose his place in the side due to injury but he did return and made another appearance in goal when called upon for a game at Scarborough.

Despite so many appearances, George was not a prolific goalscorer, with only five goals to his name during his time at Stafford. It didn’t go unnoticed and, in August 1972, correspondent Jim Pridding reported that, after four blank years, a local bookmaker had offered 20/1 on him breaking the duck. Penalties were excluded but it mattered not, George Machin didn’t manage a goal during an injury hit season.

Machin left Rangers at the end of the 1972/73 season and began the following campaign at Nantwich Town who were managed by former Stafford manager Colin Hutchinson and also featured several other former team mates.

He played at Nantwich for two seasons before retiring from the game.

Stafford Rangers FC.

 

Goalkeeper joins the Boro

Goalkeeper joins the Boro

Tamworth Stopper to get his chance

Stafford Rangers FC are pleased to announce the signing of Leon Phillips from Tamworth FC on dual registration.

Leon, a 23-year-old goalkeeper, has been part of Tamworth’s squad and featured in their pre-season friendlies this season.

He will come straight into our first team to take the place of Cameron Belford, as he recovers from a knee injury.

Leon has previously appeared for Boston United, Alvechurch and Stratford Town. He started his career at Nottingham Forest before moving on to Mansfield Town and then Kidderminster Harriers.

The club would like to thank Tamworth FC for their support in securing this deal.

Welcome to the Boro, Leon.

Stafford Rangers FC

 
LED Floodlights Update

LED Floodlights Update

Floodlights Delayed

LED FloodlightsUnfortunately work on installing our new LED floodlights which was meant to commence today, has been delayed for a couple of weeks because of a change of manufacturer for the lights.

The good news is that we are now getting a superior light fitting which have less light spill and an extra ten years parts warranty for the club, so a win win for the club.

This project has been fully funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Stadium Fund, and from Staffordshire Business & Environment Network (SBEN).

Stafford Rangers FC

 

The Goal Post – Issue 2

The Goal Post – Issue 2

Now Available – February 2025 Edition

The Goal Post - Issue 2Our next installment of our Newsletter is now out, as we introduce issue two of ‘The Goal Post‘.

This monthly newsletter which provides news on all aspects of the club, is designed to inform all our supporters about what is going on off the pitch and behind the scenes of our great club.

We hope you enjoy it. If you want to get involved or if there is anything you want to hear about, please contact us on media@staffordrangersfc.co.uk.

Our second edition is now available – The Goal Post – February 2025

Stafford Rangers FC

 

Curry Night Returns

Curry Night Returns

Curry Night is back !

Do you want to experience a hospitality package in our Chairman’s Suite?

On Tuesday 18th February, we host Bootle for our evening match, kick-off at 7.45pm. The club would like to offer a night of hospitality to all our fans and supporters.

By purchasing a ticket, you will receive:

  • Entry to our Hospitality Suite (From 6pm)
  • Main course meal – Chicken Curry (Medium), Poppadoms, Rice & Chips (Food Served at 6.30pm prompt)
  • Meet the Manager
  • Themed Quiz
  • Raffle, where the winner will select the MOTM and have their photo taken presenting the award

All this, for the price of just £10 per person if you are Stafford Rangers 2024/25 Season Ticket Holder, or £10 plus your normal matchday admission charge to non Season Ticket Holders.

You can purchase your ticket in advance, by contacting the club on 01785 602430 or emailing us at commercial@staffordrangersfc.co.uk. But please hurry – as there are limited places available; so get on down and enjoy the evening with us.

See you all there.

Stafford Rangers Football Club.