The Goal Post Newsletter

The Goal Post Newsletter

February 2026 Edition

Stafford Rangers FC is delighted to announce the release of the February 2026 edition of “The Goal Post“, marking our second issue since our return as a monthly release.

What a month it has been with three league wins in succession taking us five points clear of the drop zone!

But that’s not the only big news at Stafford Rangers

Inside this month’s issue:

New Investor – Nathan Owen

Meet new investor Nathan Owen – find out about his history watching Stafford Rangers and his ambitions for the Boro

John Macmillan

New Chairman John Macmillan

Hear from John Macmillan as he returns to the board and takes the reins in the boardroom

Graham Deakin

From the dugout

Deakz looks back at a successful month so far and shares his thoughts ahead of the away game at Newcastle

Player Profiles – Harry Flowers

Get to know Stafford lad Harry in our Player Profiles section and find out why the time was right to join his home town club

Also this month:

We pay tribute to two Boro’ stalwarts, catch up with new Assistant Manager Alfie Marsden and you’ll be amazed to find out how three Boro’ fans and two directors are making their way to the Newcastle game, with much, much more besides!

Make sure to get hold of this month’s packed issue!

Thank you for your continued commitment, and here’s to an exciting 2026 for The Boro’

#UTB

The Goal Post Newsletter

Limited Edition Reusable Cups

Limited Edition Albion Cup

Stafford Rangers unveil limited-edition ‘Albion Cup’ to mark two milestone anniversaries 150th anniversary & 130 years at Marston Road

Stafford Rangers FC are proud to unveil the limited‑edition Stafford Rangers 150th Birthday “Albion Cup” — a reusable pint cup created to celebrate two milestone anniversaries: 150 years since our founding in 1876 and 130 years at Marston Road.

Limited Edition Collector’s Item

Just 2,000 have been produced, making this a true collector’s item for supporters past and present.

The cup’s design features historic team photos, iconic FA Trophy moments and scenes from the old Wembley, wrapped in a tribute to our proud heritage. The commemorative dates, 1896–2026, honour our first competitive match at Marston Road (then the Albion Ground).

Cups cost £2 — refundable when you return the cup or keep it as a special keepsake.

Not only a piece of Rangers history, the Albion Cup supports the club’s sustainability efforts and gives fans a practical matchday item.

Thanks to our sponsors

A huge thank‑you to Dan Adams (our matchday 50/50 seller) and Castle Lawns & Landscapes, and to Shaun Insull of ledspares.co.uk for their generous sponsorship in making this possible.

The Stafford Rangers 150th Birthday Albion Cup goes on sale from all the bars tomorrow’s home game vs Shifnal Town — grab yours while stocks last. Only 2,000 available!

Board Changes

Board Changes

Carol Bailey and John Bromley step down

Carol Bailey and John Bromley have resigned from their positions as board directors with immediate effect.

Carol Bailey

Carol is affectionately known as ‘Miss Stafford Rangers’ and her love of the club goes back many years.

She became a director in 2014 but now feels that the time is right for her to step back.

We will not be losing Carol as she will continue to help in the role of club secretary and the office on a regular basis but has relinquished her role as Vice Chair together with all her board responsibilities.

John Bromley

John Bromley was also appointed a director in 2014 and went onto become one of our longest serving Chairmen before resigning from that position in February 2025.

John admits he is not getting any younger and has resigned in the best interest of the football club and his family to spend more time looking after his wife.

The club is still close to his heart and will continue to help around the ground when he can.

Our thanks

Both have been loyal and resilient stalwarts of the club over many years and have taken their roles as custodians very seriously. Their hearts still beat strongly within the club.

We want to thank both for everything they have done for Stafford Rangers over many years and am sure we will see them both cheering the team on as usual on Saturday.

In recognition of their efforts both will be made Honorary Vice Presidents in perpetuity.

Stafford Rangers Football Club

Midfielder joins on loan

Midfielder joins on loan

Marsel Tola joins from Derby County

Deakz is delighted to announce the signing of highly rated central midfielder Marsel Tola from Championship side, Derby County on an initial one-month loan.

He joined Derby County Under-18s as a scholar in the summer of 2023 and went on to step up to the Under-21s in 2025 by penning his first professional deal.

Born in Albania, Tola didn’t join the Rams until the 2022/23 campaign with the Under-16s.

He joined Derby after being scouted from a private academy in London.

Tola made 20 appearances for the Under-18s in 2023/24 as he continued his development with the side, while the 2024/25 campaign saw him register regular match minutes for the Under-18s and also get a couple of Under-21s games under his belt.

He is described as a tough tackling, all action, ball winning box-to-box midfielder.

Marsel trained with and met his new teammates Thursday evening, and we would like to thank Derby County FC for enabling this loan.

Subject to paperwork approval Marsel will come straight into the squad for the home game against Shifnal Town FC on Saturday.  

Welcome to the BORO Marsel.

The Goal Post Newsletter

New Chairman Appointed

Stafford Rangers FC Welcomes John Macmillan as New Chairman

Following the resignation of John Hayne as Chairman of Stafford Rangers Football Club, the Board of Directors has unanimously appointed John Macmillan as the club’s new Chairman.

John Macmillan

John Macmillan

John brings a wealth of experience and passion to the club.

Having served Stafford Rangers in a number of roles including Director, Company Secretary, and Chairman of the club’s charity, Stafford Rangers in the Community.

John has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to our local community.

The Board believes he is the right person to oversee the club’s new structure and exciting future as we welcome fresh faces in the boardroom and new investment.

A new structure for the future

We will be providing a full update of the new board structure shortly.

As we embark on this new chapter, we encourage all our supporters to rally behind John’s appointment and get involved.

At Stafford Rangers, we believe the club belongs to all of us.

We are committed to fostering greater unity and breaking down any divides between the Board and our fans.

Together, we will build a stronger future.

Sincere thanks

Finally, the Board would like to again extend its sincere thanks to John Hayne for his service as Chairman and Director.

Stafford Rangers Football Club

Midfielder joins on loan

Striker Signs

Max Chimenes

Max Chimenes joins from Darlaston

Deakz is delighted to confirm the signing of 23-year-old striker Max Chimenes, from Darlaston Town FC.

Although recently at Darlaston Town, Max has spent the majority of the last two seasons with Chasetown FC and has been a target for signature in recent weeks.

Max will add strength, power and physicality to our forward options.

He will train with the squad this Thursday and is available for selection this coming Saturday’s home game with Shifnal Town.

Welcome to the BORO Max.