A Tribute

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of former Stafford Rangers striker Paul Cavell.

Cav joined Rangers in December 1987 when he was signed by Ron Reid from Goole Town.

Born in Worksop on 13 May 1963, he spent his early years at Notts Forest, signing for them in 1979. He left after two years and cited not being taken on by them as one of his worst moments in football. He subsequently signed for his home town club, scoring on his debut as a 18 year old against Gainsborough Trinity on 27 January 1982. He went on to spend a total of 5 years with the Tigers before moving to Goole Town.

Spell with the Boro

After impressing at Goole, he moved to Rangers for a £5,000 fee and made his Rangers debut in a 2-1 victory over local rivals Telford United on 28 December 1987 and recorded his first goal for the club as Rangers defeated league leaders Barnet on 6 February 1988.

His talents were quickly obvious to Rangers fans and, despite only having made a handful of appearances at the time, a brief profile in the Stafford programme noted “…he has already given plenty of indication that he WILL make a name for himself at non-league’s top level”. With Reid singing the praises of his new singing, it was a role reversal after Cavell had spent his youth cheering on Reid while he was leading the attack at Central Avenue.

At the end of his first season, he had netted 15 goals including a hat trick at Bath City. Disaster struck at the start of the 1989 season when he suffered a broken leg in a game against Telford United which forced him to miss two months. His return was greeted by a tremendous reaction from Rangers fans and he quickly regained his form to add another 12 goals to his career tally, including a lobbed finish to earn a relegation avoiding win against Kettering Town on the final day of the season.

In 1989/90, Rangers reached the FA Trophy Semi Final – the club missing out on a Wembley final with a heart-breaking defeat by Leek Town – but there was no such joy in the league as the club faced another battle against relegation. Survival was eventually achieved in another dramatic final day win against Farnborough Town, Cav again  making his mark with an 80th minute equaliser after Rangers had gone 2-0 down in the first few minutes.

That goal marked his last contribution in a Rangers shirt as he re-joined former manager Ron Reid who was now in charge at Boston United. He had scored 39 goals in 108 appearances for the Boro, many of them watched by his father John who travelled the country in support.

After the Boro

Cavell spent a couple of years at Boston before a move to Dagenham & Redbridge in 1992 and it was while he was at the East London club that he received a call up for the England semi pro side, making his debut v Wales on 3 March 1992. He also appeared for the prestigious Middlesex Wanderers side.

In 1994, he moved to Gateshead for a club record £9,000 fee before being signed by Sammy McIlroy at Macclesfield Town the following summer where he collected an FA Trophy winners medal.

In 1996, he moved on to Purfleet but returned to Boston in 1997 and spent another year at York Street before going on to appear for Gainsborough Trinity and Matlock Town in 1998.

After his playing career ended, he remained in the game in various capacities as a scout, coach and manager at the likes of Boston, Maltby, Dagenham, Sheffield United and Tamworth.

Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

Home and Away shirt pre-orders now open!

Stafford Rangers launch Pre-Order for Stunning new Home & Away Shirts

Stafford Rangers FC is delighted to announce that pre-orders for the brand new 2026/2027 Home and Away shirts will open via the club’s online box office in the merchandise section from Monday 8^th June.

Supporters have already had a glimpse of the bespoke designs through social media teasers and excitement has been building.

Today we are proud to reveal the full details of the shirts created in partnership with Fused Sports, whose energy and creativity have helped deliver two kits that players and fans will wear with pride.

A Home Shirt Rooted in Identity

The new Stafford Rangers Home shirt blends the clubs iconic black and white stripes with premium gold detailing, creating a modern look that honours our heritage. Subtle Staffordshire Knot graphics are woven into the design, reinforcing the bond between the club and the town.

Manufactured from lightweight Dri-FIT polyester for maximum comfort and performance and finished with a premium appliqué club badge- a proud symbol of the Boro and our brand.

A Bold New Look on the Road

The Stafford Rangers Away Shirt features a striking purple and pink colour with the Stafford Knot integrated into the shirt’s graphic design. It’s a fresh, modern and confident design that stands out on awaydays.

Pre-Order Details

Both shirts are match ready and available to pre-order from Monday 8^th June. This season all stock will be ordered and held by the club, with collection planned for the last home friendly on Saturday July 25^th.

• Price: Adult Shirts £39.95
• Price: Youth Shirts   £34.95
• Sizes: Please check the measuring and size guide before ordering
• Order online: https://staffordrangersfc.ktckts.com/merchandise/

More than a shirt

Stafford Rangers is more than a football club – We are part of the community, we have a proud history, and this is more than a shirt, it represents the start of a new journey.

If you want to be part of the story next season, you will want to be wearing your new shirt with pride.

A million shares purchased!

At the recent AGM, shareholders authorised the issue of up to 1.5 million new shares.

We are pleased to report that just over 1,046,000 of these shares have now been purchased.

The majority have been taken up by Nathan Owen and his associates together with George Bruneau.

In addition, 38 existing shareholders increased their holdings.

Club Chairman John MacMillan said:

“This is a strong start and we are grateful to Nathan Owen, George Bruneau and all the shareholders who have backed the club’s vision for the future.

This investment forms part of a wider programme of progressively improving the fortunes of the club.

It is a significant step towards building a more financially stable and sustainable club, with the infrastructure needed to compete successfully at National League level.”

The Boro’ at a crossroads

Stafford Rangers Football Club stands at an important crossroads as preparations are moving fast for the upcoming season.

With key appointments confirmed and structural changes underway, the club is entering a new era—one that both honours recent contributions and looks ahead with ambition and determination.

Stability on the Pitch

As part of the club’s commitment to stability and progress, the management team remains firmly in place and we will be investing in new analytical tools and scouting processes to support them.

Manager Graham Deakin will continue to proudly lead the squad, supported by Alfie Marsden, Alex Meechan, Scott Cooksey and George Stephens.

Detailed plans from the current management team on how they see the footballing model of the club align well with the vision to build to step three and beyond.

Their retention reflects confidence in the current footballing direction and provides a stable platform to build upon for the coming campaign.

A detailed and cohesive plan was put to the board by Graham in support of his application.

We believe he has the making of a fantastic manager and more importantly has the DNA which reflects the values, passion and vision of our club.

Deakz States

‘’I am excited and privileged to be given the opportunity to manage this fantastic football club on a permanent basis. I’m humbled to be chosen to be the man to lead this club into a new and exciting era.

I have learned a great deal over the past season and with that knowledge and the energy and support network now in place at the club above me and within my management team firmly believe that we can and will deliver the success that this football club deserves.

I’d like to thank Nathan and the board for their backing and the continued support shown towards me.’’

Andy Fearn: Eight Years of Dedication

After eight years of loyal service, Director of Football Andy Fearn has announced he will be stepping back from his role at the Stan Robinson Stadium.

Andy has been instrumental across multiple areas of the club. His influence has been both wide-ranging and much of his hard work was unseen by many. His steady guidance has helped shape a culture of professionalism and unity behind the scenes.

Andy’s contribution extended into the broader fabric of the club—supporting long-term planning, nurturing relationships, and helping to stabilise operations during challenging periods. His legacy is one of commitment, consistency, and genuine passion for the club.

As he steps away, there is a shared desire across the club to mark his contribution in the most fitting way possible: by securing silverware in the upcoming cup final. Such an achievement would stand as a testament to his years of dedication and leadership.

Andy Reflects

‘’It has been an honour and a privilege to represent Stafford Rangers FC over the last eight years. Through difficult times both on and off the pitch I believe I have carried out all duties in a professional manner with total integrity.

As football fans we can agree and disagree from time to time but I have always worked for the benefit of the club.

Having secured the Club’s status at Step 4 and as the club is about to embark on a new trajectory with substantial financial backing, I have taken the difficult decision to retire and finally devote time to my family and grandchildren.’’

A New Chapter Begins

Stafford Rangers now turn their attention to the future. The club is actively evolving its structure, with plans to appoint a Technical Director who will work closely with the existing management team.

This new role signals a forward-thinking approach—aimed at enhancing recruitment strategies, player development pathways, and long-term football planning.

By modernising the club’s structure, Stafford Rangers are positioning themselves to compete more effectively and sustainably in the seasons ahead.

Such a plan is crucial to lead the club towards success with far greater focus on technology, analysis and scouting programme to build a team that matches the vision of both investors and the board.

Building for Long-Term Success

The transition represents more than just a change in personnel; it is a strategic shift towards a more integrated and progressive football model. Retaining key staff while introducing new expertise ensures continuity is balanced with innovation.

The foundations laid over the past several years provide a base from which to grow.

With a clear vision, committed leadership, and a renewed structure, Stafford Rangers are well-placed to pursue both immediate success and long-term development.

Conclusion

As Stafford Rangers move forward, the club does so with gratitude for the past and optimism for the future.

The contributions of Andy Fearn will always be welcomed and not be forgotten at Stafford Rangers.

The next chapter promises fresh energy, new ideas, and a continued commitment to success and improvement both on and off the pitch.