A New Dawn

We would like to place on record our appreciation and respect for Dave Cooke, following his resignation as First Team Manager last Saturday. He worked tirelessly to improve performances on the pitch, but with a hefty injury list hampering team selection, results have not gone our way. Dave leaves willingly to allow time for the club to recover and move up the table. We thank Dave sincerely and he will always be welcomed back at our club.

Dale Belford has now been appointed First Team Manager. Since Sunday he has been in conversations with prospective backroom staff and players, he would like to bring to the club to bolster and improve the squad.

At the most recent training session, all existing players were in attendance with a couple of fresh faces. Prior to training the players were introduced to the new backroom team. Joining Dale as Assistant Manager is Graham Deakin. As a player Graham began his career with Walsall, before spells with Tamworth, Rushall and Sutton Coldfield. He has had two spells with Hednesford as Assistant Manager and Director of Football, and more recently as assistant Manager with Shifnal Town. His knowledge of the midlands football scene will be an asset to Dale. We welcome Graham to the club.

Rejoining the club as a coach is John Psaras, who has worked at the club under Alex Meecham and Matt Hill. John will bring an unbridled level of enthusiasm to the team. Andy Burns will continue in his new role of player-coach, complementing the backroom staff.

We wish them all well and ask for your unwavering support behind the team and its management, starting this Saturday away at Bootle FC.

With the backroom staff in place, new players will be added, and we can announce the first two players to come on board.

We have signed 25-year-old central defender Scott Wara, following his departure from Prescot Cables FC. Stoke based Scott started his career with Stoke City before signing for Leek Town, with whom he made over 60 appearances. A short spell with Finn Harps in Ireland was followed by a move to Stalybridge Celtic last season, before joining Prescot Cables FC this summer. With travelling an issue Scott has signed for the Boro and his experience at this level and above, will be invaluable.

We can also confirm the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Ashley Fallon from Darlaston Town FC. Previously at Shifnal Town, Ashley is a tenacious, industrious player. Ashley is well known to Graham Deakin and will come straight into contention for a place in the squad this coming Saturday. Welcome to the Boro Ashley.

It is hoped that further announcements will be made ahead of the weekend as Dale looks to refresh and improve the current squad.

Stafford Rangers FC