Where we are

It’s been an eventful week on the player front and we can now confirm the following players have left the club.

Narel Phillips

Despite signing for the club on non-contract terms ahead of the game last Saturday with Mossley, the player’s agent informed our management team late on Friday evening that he had instructed Narel to play in a triallist game at Peterborough on Saturday. Additional conversations were had, all to no avail, and with no clarity as to the player’s future commitments, he has been de-registered. We can assure all fans that the relevant paperwork was completed correctly and approved by the NPL and we believe the player was keen to play. The situation could change and we will keep you informed accordingly.

Tomi Montefiori

Unfortunately Tomi will not be able to attain a necessary work permit for this season and will be returning to Brazil. Paperwork for his signing was all approved by the FA, NPL and international clearance received, subject to the Home Office granting the necessary work permit. We would like to wish Tomi good luck with a future application.

Mitch Candlin

Following seven days’ notice of approach from Bedworth United FC we have cancelled his registration allowing Mitch the opportunity to secure regular football and would like to thank Mitch for his second but short stint at the Boro.

Ethan O’Sullivan

Stafford born Ethan, who featured during pre-season and against Congleton FC has returned to Australia and has now been de-registered. We would like to thank Ethan for his efforts and wish him well down under.

Jack Sandel

Having recently returned from a dual registration period with Gresley Rovers, Jack has now signed dual registration at Lutterworth Town FC. This is another opportunity for Jack to test himself in adult football and will continue his development, which we will closely monitor.

The current injury situation is as follows:

Oliver Jepson

Following injury at Long Eaton United the initial prognosis was that of a jarred knee but with no immediate improvement a subsequent scan revealed a hairline fracture of the tibia just below the knee. It is hoped that Olly will return to light training over the next week or so and we will keep you updated with any progress.

Jimmy O’Neill

Jimmy suffered a pulled hamstring at Walsall Wood and is now well on the road to recovery and has been running and undertaking light training. We hope that Jimmy will be back on the pitch in the very near future.

Aaron Opoku

Aaron pulled his groin after 30 minutes of the game at Stalybridge and according to Aaron it’s the most serious injury he has had. Recovery has been slow and despite his best efforts he failed another fitness test prior to the game at Mossley. Hopefully, Aaron is not too far away from selection.

AJ Leitch-Smith

AJ has suffered with a niggling foot injury incurred at the first session of pre-season training and although recently back in the squad, he suffered a recurrence of the problem in the pre-match warm up at Mossley, resulting in Jack Sandel coming onto the bench as a last minute replacement.

Our newly appointed Sports Therapist Eddie Downes, certainly has plenty on his plate at the moment. For those that are not familiar with Eddie, he spent the majority of last season with us as a student intern, shadowing Stacey Barley and latterly Matt Wilson. Matt Wilson has just left the club to take up a full-time role at Kidderminster Harriers FC and we would like to thank Matt for all his hard work during his time at the Boro.

Finally, the management team is continually trying to bring additional players in to cover for injury and improve the team. It is by no means a simple task and we have been let down by three central defenders over the last two weeks, where agreements had been in place but matters outside of our control have prohibited the actual signings!

Stafford Rangers FC