Jack Birch stays on

We’re delighted to announce that last season’s top goalscorer Jack Birch has confirmed he will be part of the side next season following recent successful talks with the management team.

Jack was one of the highlights of a difficult season for the club, scoring 17 times to finish the campaign as top goalscorer as well as collecting the supporters player of the season, managers player of the season and the goal of the season award.

Entering into his second season with the club, the former Halesowen man said:

“Having the picture painted of what the new season is going to look like, so I’ve got a really good feeling and trust in Deaks, Alfie & the team. There’s a lot of belief higher up towards me, so it’s just just about me really taking that on.”

“We can have a really good season and definitely reach for the play-offs, the players saying has been a big part of me coming back too, getting that structure and individuals I believe are good enough to push us up the table” 

“If I’m being harsh on myself, last season I could’ve scored 20, hopefully this season I can find myself in the right position again and keep on scoring. Deaks has brought in some quality players at the top end of the pitch, so hopefully we all start connecting well early in pre-season and carry that on into the new season.”

“There’s always going to be new additions needed, and if we get the majority sorted, the spine all clicking to go then we should be good first game of the season.”

“And to the Rangers fans, I am happy to be back, hopefully I’ll be scoring more goals and we can have a much better season”

Manager Graham Deakin, delighted with retaining one of the pivotal figures from last seasons midfield added:

“Retaining Jack was business that just had to be done. Birchy’s numbers speak for themselves. There was a lot of interest in Jack and rightly so, but he has made the decision based on the football, the staff, the club and the direction it is going in. A massive part in Jack staying was the love he receives off the fans, so from me thank you to the fans as you have played your part in keeping Birchy at the club.”

We welcome back Jack, and hope it won’t be long before we are hearing “Hey Birchy” through the tannoy on a matchday.

Scott Moloney moves on

Stafford Rangers can confirm that goalkeeper Scott Moloney has left club to take up an opportunity at a higher level.

Moloney, made 22 appearances for the club after joining from Bootle in January, keeping three clean sheets as he helped the club retain our position at Step 4.

Graham Deakin added:

“Following three weeks of talks where we remained hopeful of keeping Scott, after a great introduction to the club last season, however he’s had an opportunity higher up the pyramid and we absolutely respect his wishes to leave and this is based purely on a footballing decision and as a team we wish him well for the future”

Stafford Rangers would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Scott for his efforts last season, and we wish him all the best with the next step in his future