I’m delighted to stay

Known for his bullish defending, Stafford Rangers centre-half Jimmy O’Neill will do anything to defend his goal.

Wearing his heart on his sleeve and giving it all at the back, O’Neill a Ranger through and through. He returned to Marston Road last season after a short spell with Stratford Town and enjoyed a further 21 matches with the side.

Eager to stay on next season, and confirmed as part of the core group of players Matt Hill has been able to keep, the fans will look forward to seeing one of their favourites partner Ethan Stewart at the back once again.

It was a marvelous end to the season which saw 14 clean sheets across it in all competitions, testament to the defence and Belford in goal. O’Neill has revealed how he sees each game and what he sets out to achieve on the pitch.

He said: “I don’t think there’s a defender in the league that can kick it as far as me, but although I know some people get frustrated that I don’t play out all the time, my job as a defender is to defend.

“Every game in the NPL is a physical one, so my mindset is to win every physical battle, headers and tackles especially.

“Every game we go out to win, but as defenders we always want a clean sheet, and sometimes that means by any means necessary.”

The 28-year-old is more than happy to be staying next season and looks forward to its beginning as he believes the side will only get stronger and move forward in the right direction.

“I’m delighted to stay,” said O’Neill.

“I left last season due to a change in job and location, and as soon as I came back it was an easy choice, staying this year was an even easier one.

“There were a number of reasons for me to stay, both personal and in terms of football. I have a great relationship with all the staff and the board, not to mention the fans.

“It’s been said by multiple people that Stafford Rangers is a good club run by good people, it’s easy to see that from the inside and the outside.

“We finished the season really strong, and I’d like to help carry that into next season. There’s a lot of last year’s ‘starting 11’ that have stayed, which I believe already gives us a head start as we have a great relationship off the pitch and on the pitch.

“We know each other as players, for example I love playing with Ethan because he’s fast enough to cover me, but I’d never pass him the ball.

“I’m sure the staff and the club are looking to bring others in which will provide that competitive edge, only pushing us forward.

“I’m confident we’re going to compete next year.”

Positive thinking from O’Neill who will look to remain a regular in Matt Hill’s side, and have a successful season with a club he adores and commended highly.

“There’s a lot to love about the rangers, it’s a good club run by good people.

“The fans provide a good following home and away and there’s always a good atmosphere around the club.

“The club has been very good to me over the last two years, and a lot of lads in non league will tell you that it’s rare a club is loyal to the player, but Stafford have definitely been that to me.”

By Luke Powell

STAFFORD RANGERS FC

It’s back on

Following Friday’s fantastic news that Hednesford Town will be playing football in the 2023/24 season we are delighted to confirm that our last pre-season game has been agreed by both clubs.

Stafford Rangers are delighted and thrilled that HTFC will be playing league football next season and we will welcome everyone from Hednesford for a much-anticipated derby to be held at Marston Road on Saturday 5th August with a 3.00 pm KO.

Prices for this game and all pre-season games will be: –

• Adults £7
• Concessions £5
• Juniors £3
• Access to the Main Stand Plus £2.00

• Tuesday 25th July Newtown 7.45pm KO
• Saturday 29th July Leek Town 3.00pm KO

The new season commences on the 12th of August, and we look forward to starting our campaign for 2023/24 and welcoming all fans once more. If you haven’t yet purchased your season ticket, you still have time to benefit from the Early Bird discounts and can purchase through our website or by going into the club where we can process for you.

Up The Boro

A dream come true

Stafford Rangers goalkeeper Jack Sandel says making his first team debut was a dream come true and it has only inspired him to achieve more with the club.

The 17-year-old came onto the Marston Road pitch at the conclusion of the Rangers’ season, playing the last five minutes against champions South Shields in a triumphant 3-0 win.

Sandel earnt his moment through endless hard-work and was praised by manager Matt Hill and staff for his efforts throughout the season.

It was a moment the young keeper won’t forget and is extremely proud of, and it’s clear this is just the beginning for the academy player.

He said: “All season when you’re training Tuesday and Thursday, you think ‘am I going to get my chance this week’.

“They said to me a few weeks before the end of the season that if we’re safe then I might get to come on.

“So you’re building up and hoping for it, but when you actually come on it’s a great feeling.

“I’ve been at Rangers since I was 13/14 in the youth team and I used to go and watch the first team on Saturday’s.

“Coming through it and being able to play for them is just what many kids dream of.

“What I’ve achieved so far at my age is very good and I’m proud of myself for it. I couldn’t get there without everyone around me and keeping me level headed.”

Praised for his fantastic attitude and work-ethic, the goalkeeper will go again next term with the first-team and club he loves – learning from the experienced players and staff who he gave thanks to.

“Being there a long time, I’ve built a lot of relationships through the years and I think it’s a brilliant family club,” said Sandel.

“It’s just amazing to be around the people there.

“Everyone there always helps me out, I can always speak to them, ask them anything and they’d all respond and be there to help.

“Last year I was one of the youth team players so you could tell I was a youth player coming into the team.

“Now, I think they see me as one of them and it makes me feel so welcomed and appreciated.

“Cam, Dale, Matty, and everyone get me involved with everything and it’s like being a normal player now.”

Sandel is looking forward to his involvement with the first team next season as enters another year in the youth team set-up. Despite the season just ending, the keeper can’t wait to get back.

“We’ve been off a couple of weeks and I already want to go back,” said Sandel.

“I think that’s the attitude we want in the club, that people want to play.

“I’ve still got another year of youth team football so even if I’m not playing for the first team, with Cam staying, I still get a game every week.

“I can still be with the first team on Saturday and training and then still playing and progressing.

“The best way to progress is to play games.”

By Luke Powell

STAFFORD RANGERS FC

Kaiman loves the competition

Competition for places – what every manager wants, and what Stafford Rangers striker Kaiman Anderson says he thrives off.

Anderson banged in 13 goals last season – the club’s top scorer – and was a crucial member of Matt Hill’s side.

The 26-year-old who joined the Rangers in the latter of the 2021-22 season has been retained for the next term, and previously said he thinks the Rangers are capable of great things.

The forward likes the competitive nature for places in the side, when asked if he likes the competition saying: “I thrive off it, you need people pushing you.

“You can’t rest on your laurels and think you’re going to start every week, you need to be performing every week.

“Regarding first names on the team sheets, I’m always going to make sure that’s me.”

Kaiman – a team-player, if his team wins he’s happy. Although not overly ecstatic with his goal tally for last season and wanting more, he sees past that and is happy to offer more to his side than just goals.

“I was pleased to an extent,” said Anderson.

“I did score a few goals but I think what I bring to the team is a bit more than goals, obviously hard-work and holding the ball up, things like that.

“I would Like to add a few more and get to the 15, close to 20 goal mark, but if I score 13,14 and we’re in and around the play-offs then I know I’ve done my job well.

“I just want the team to play well, it is a team game. It can’t all be about me, big number nine scoring goals.

“If we win 1-0 and I haven’t scored then I’m happy. If we win 5-0 and I haven’t scored then I’m still happy.

“As long as I’ve made my mark and helped the team to win then that’s all that matters to me.”

Anderson, known for his relentless running and effort on the pitch, holding the ball up well for others, and always a threat to the opposition’s goal.

The forward found himself playing on the wing at times for the Rangers last season and despite his role mainly being central, he doesn’t mind his time out wide.

He said: “I’m just happy to play.

“I’ve played the majority of my career up front, but I did append a couple of seasons out on the right.

“I don’t mind it, getting the ball, running at people and crossing it in.

“Preferably I would be the main man.”

Stafford have been confirmed members of the Northern Premier League once again for next season, finding themselves the most southern team of the league.

Anderson expressed his views on this saying: “I’m quite happy with it to be fair.

“I think if I’m being totally honest it’s a more competitive league than the Southern League.

“The grounds you go to are a bit nicer and it’s got a bit more history around it.

“I think it’ll be a good challenge again but I’m happy we’re staying in it.”

The forward is delighted to be returning to Marston Road next season after completing his first full season at the club and he’s certainly missing the action as the players take a break after the year’s conclusion.

He said on re-signing: “I was very happy. I love working with the gaffer and Dale.

“It’s a good core group, all the lads are sound. I’m happy that we’ve kept the spine of the team.

“I got it done very quickly, as soon as the season finished.

“I can’t wait to get back. Just watching the football last night, I can’t wait to get back and scoring some goals.

“Get me back.”

By Luke Powell

STAFFORD RANGERS FC