Archie King Remembered

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our former assistant manager, Archie King.

Archie King came to Stafford Rangers in the summer of 1998 as assistant to the newly appointed manager Ian Painter.

He was a multi talented sportsman and represented England U17s in basketball but it was in the sport of football where Archie is widely remembered.

He played for a number of clubs in and around the Black Country region. Starting at Darlaston, he went on to play for Hednesford, Stourbridge, Willenhall, Dudley and Bilston.

The Painter – King team stayed together at Stafford for four seasons, winning the Dr Martens League Western Division in 2000 and setting a new club record of 23 league games unbeaten in the process.

Although the best of his playing days were behind him, King did make the odd appearance when duty called. His long awaited debut came a month after his 41st birthday as a substitute in the 2-0 win at Weymouth in April 2001. He went on to make two more substitute appearances that season and another at the end of the following season.

The Painter – King duo left Stafford at the end of the 2002 season and, shortly afterwards, were appointed in similar roles at Hednesford Town where King was credited with spotting the potential in a young defender by the name of Ashley Williams. Williams went on to have a successful professional career and also captained Wales.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Archie’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy will live on in our hearts.

Stafford Rangers FC