Goalkeeper Luke Pilling signs

Aug 28, 2021 | Club News

Luke began his career with Tranmere Rovers, having spent 17 seasons at boyhood club Tranmere Rovers, where he was a former team mate of gaffer Matty Hill. He made his senior debut on 29 April 2017 in a 1–0 victory over Maidstone United in the National League. He spent the 2018–19 season on loan with National League North side Ashton United, making 17 league appearances.

Luke signed a new one-year contract with Tranmere following the club’s promotion to League One at the end of the 2018–19 season. He made his Football League debut on 7 December 2019 as a first half substitute in place of injured starting goalkeeper Scott Davies during a 1–1 draw with Accrington Stanley.

On 4 September 2020, Luke signed for National League side Notts County.

International career
In May 2017, Luke was named in the Wales under-20 squad for the 2017 Toulon Tournament. After making his debut for the side in the tournament opener against Ivory Coast, Luke played in Wales’ remaining group matches against France and Bahrain as they were eliminated in the group stage. He was later named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his performances.

Welcome to Stafford Rangers Luke.

50 years of following the Boro

Aug 25, 2021 | Club News

As a teenager and until I was 22 I had followed Stoke City and travelled to away games as well as home matches at the old Victoria Ground.

However, in 1968 I became disillusioned with football because of hooliganism and decided I would no longer go to matches. I still am a Stoke fan but in 1968 I made, what turned out to be, the best decision of my life. A work colleague persuaded me to have a look at Stafford Rangers so I decided to visit Marston Road for a pre-season friendly against West Brom after they had won the FA Cup. I enjoyed the game and the atmosphere at the ground was great. I was hooked and have followed the Rangers since making me a fan for 53 years.

This season we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the club’s best ever season – 1971-72, so this article covers my experiences of the 50 year period.

I have never married but during the 50 years I have made many new friends at the club. Stafford Rangers is my family.

My favourite experience was visiting Wembley for the first time in 1972 when Rangers won the FA Trophy in front of 20,000 Rangers fans. I also visited Wembley on two further occasions in the 1970’s when we lost to Scarborough and beat Kettering. I also enjoyed spending 11 days in Italy with about 30 other Rangers fans when the club took part in the Anglo-Italian tournament. I enjoyed the experiences of a great FA Cup run when we beat Rotherham away 2-0 in a replay before losing 3-1 to Peterborough in front of 31,000 fans at Stoke’s Victoria ground.

Other great experiences include beating Droylsden in a penalty shootout to win promotion and beating Lincoln City in the FA Cup.

In conclusion, the club have experienced some difficult times in recent seasons and of course the last two years have been very difficult because of Covid which has restricted the club’s income. Nevertheless, the fans have been great along with the club’s Directors, staff and volunteers. Many shares have been purchased and along with grants, donations and various fund raising schemes, the club has coped well with the crises.

Now that our wonderful social club is getting back to normality lets all celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Rangers greatest ever season and hope for a successful 2021/22 season.

Up the boro!

Eric Robins

GERRY JONES RIP

Aug 20, 2021 | Club News

Everyone at Stafford Rangers was saddened to learn of the death of former player Gerry Jones on Tuesday 17 August.

Gerry played over 300 games for the club during the late 1960s / early 1970s and was still a regular among the crowd.

Born in Newcastle under Lyme on 30 December 1945, Gerry began his football career direct from school, signing as an apprentice professional with Stoke City. He signed a full time professional contract in June 1963. After making his debut in 1964/65, he played seven matches for Stoke over three seasons but failed to establish himself in Tony Waddington’s first team and was released in May 1967.

Although he only made seven first team appearances, the highlight was against a star studded Manchester United side which included Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton. After his release from the Victoria Ground, Gerry decided to go part time and moved to Stafford Rangers. His signing was described as the final piece in the jigsaw – the emerging team being built by manager Colin Hutchinson – and he went on to form a devastating left wing partnership with George Latham.

In the Cinderella Story, Paul Butters wrote “Then Gerry Jones was signed from Stoke City and filled one of the remaining gaps with that touch of class that made all the difference…..He strengthened an already strong side immeasurably….”

Gerry’s debut came on 12 April 1968 at home to Winsford United but it wasn’t to be a dream debut as Rangers lost 1-3. The team was: Brian Quigley, George Machin, Bobby Meadows, Jim Sargeant, Peter Ford, Fred Donaldson, Cliff Johnson, Graham Bird, Brian Wilson, Gerry Jones, Ray Williams. Gerry went on to play more than 300 games for Rangers and scored 46 goals – including two against Runcorn in the Cheshire League Cup Final of 1967/68. He was a key figure in the 1971/72 treble winning squad – turning out 65 times in that season. Among his honours were winner’s medals in the FA Trophy, Northern Premier League, Cheshire League Cup and two in the Staffs Senior Cup.

Appearances became less frequent over the following two seasons and with growing business pressures, he left the club in 1974, along with fellow Wembley heroes Graham Chadwick and Joe Clayton.
Gerry joined fellow NPL side Macclesfield Town but his stay with the Silkmen was brief – he only appeared in the opening two games of the 1974/75 season before returning to Stafford where he played out the season in the reserves.

After dropping out of the game for a year, he was back at the club in 1976/77 as trainer / coach alongside manager Reg Berks then left the game for good.

Rangers’ Appearances

Stafford Rangers thoughts are with Gerry’s family at this time and we will mark his passing and celebrate his life and love of the football club with a minute’s applause before the home game against Radcliffe on Saturday 21st August.

RIP Gerry.

RANGERS STRENGTHEN SQUAD

Aug 6, 2021 | Club News

We are delighted to announce that the following players join the Boro in advance of the new season.

Left-sided defender, Michael Lennon, 18 years old, joins the club following his release from Port Vale. Michael has featured in several pre-season games and shows tremendous potential.

Towering midfielder Charlie Ten-Grotenhuis, (Age 24) was most recently at local rivals Hednesford Town. Charlie has previous experience at Bristol Rovers and Stratford Town.

Subject to international clearance being granted, Ben Woods (age 24) from Lorca Futbal Club, Spain. Ben is a left-sided defender/winger and has played for Stalybridge Celtic at this level.

We have also signed on a short-term work experience scheme from Stoke City, talented 17 year old Ryanjay Malbon. Ryan has featured on the right wing in recent games against Aston Villa and Telford.

We are also delighted to confirm the return of Adam Whitehouse to provide competition for the goalkeeper’s jersey. Welcome back Adam

We look forward to the new season with excitement and all players look forward to pulling on a Rangers shirt and hearing the Shed End support.
Up the Boro