A personal message from Nathan Owen

As Nathan began his long trip home, he has asked that this very personal message be passed on to everyone at Stafford Rangers FC

“Sitting on the plane about to push off for snowy JFK and I just wanted to write a note to express my sincere appreciation to you all for the warmth of the welcome on Saturday.“

I also wanted to reiterate to you all my level of commitment and excitement to this project, as it will be a project that will take time.

The last few days are somewhat of a blur. The trip was organized a few days earlier after receiving the support of the board to move forward and confirmation of receipt of the wire for the initial investment.

Arriving at the hotel after midnight on Friday I did not get to sleep until around 5am as I was so full of excitement, ideas, and anticipation, it felt similar to the night before our wedding.

It was great to finally meet George in person after a Teams meeting and several TB worth of text and the walk through the town centre and along Marston Road past my late father-in-law’s shop was poignant.

The warmth and genuineness of the greeting upon arrival at the ground set the tone for the rest of the day. It all felt so very natural, so very comfortable, so very home, straightaway. I was so pleased to be able to meet so many of you and your families and friends during the day and hear so many great stories and suggestions and such depth of support for the club and what we are trying to do.

By the time we had walked the ground for the safety inspection and done a photo shoot for the E&S we had missed the happy hour by a few minutes but I was delighted to see the social club in full effect, I don’t think I have seen anywhere like it anywhere else and I mean that in the best way possible. A great location to meet up before and after the game with family and friends, sponsors, and guests in every bar / lounge each with a different vibe but each with the same warm welcome and atmosphere.

I watched the first half from the stand and most of the second from The Shed End before rejoining my father in the stand and I loved the passion and the pride, both off and on the pitch, as the players fought for every loose ball, header and opportunity to bring the losing streak to the end and after an Alamo style onslaught in the second half I was nearly brought to tears by the equalizer and to see the joy it brought all around the ground (not counting those in blue and white). If we can continue to do this through the end of the season, we will be in good shape. You just cannot beat someone who never ever gives up, and we are going to need and be looking for that NEGU spirit as we rebuild.

I had been very impressed by the SRFC radio team listening back in the US, so it was great to be able to do a halftime interview and then to check out the fans’ bar which had been specially decorated for the occasion.

I recognize Bury brought large traveling support which certainly contributed to the atmosphere and record attendance for this season, but there were a good thousand cheering on black and white and I would hope that anyone supporting Stafford Rangers that day would want to come back and be a part of this. It begins with staying up and then rebuilding from the bottom up, but I know now (if I did not before) that the fundamentals are there. The supporters are the beating heart of a club and despite some dark days the heart beats very strongly and it beats 🖤 and 🤍.

I am a firm believer that “if you’re not listening, you’re not learning.” I certainly learned a lot on Saturday, and I very much look forward to continuing to learn from you all and am proud to officially join your family after such a long time away, assuming you’ll say yes. “I do”