A dream come true

Stafford Rangers goalkeeper Jack Sandel says making his first team debut was a dream come true and it has only inspired him to achieve more with the club.

The 17-year-old came onto the Marston Road pitch at the conclusion of the Rangers’ season, playing the last five minutes against champions South Shields in a triumphant 3-0 win.

Sandel earnt his moment through endless hard-work and was praised by manager Matt Hill and staff for his efforts throughout the season.

It was a moment the young keeper won’t forget and is extremely proud of, and it’s clear this is just the beginning for the academy player.

He said: “All season when you’re training Tuesday and Thursday, you think ‘am I going to get my chance this week’.

“They said to me a few weeks before the end of the season that if we’re safe then I might get to come on.

“So you’re building up and hoping for it, but when you actually come on it’s a great feeling.

“I’ve been at Rangers since I was 13/14 in the youth team and I used to go and watch the first team on Saturday’s.

“Coming through it and being able to play for them is just what many kids dream of.

“What I’ve achieved so far at my age is very good and I’m proud of myself for it. I couldn’t get there without everyone around me and keeping me level headed.”

Praised for his fantastic attitude and work-ethic, the goalkeeper will go again next term with the first-team and club he loves – learning from the experienced players and staff who he gave thanks to.

“Being there a long time, I’ve built a lot of relationships through the years and I think it’s a brilliant family club,” said Sandel.

“It’s just amazing to be around the people there.

“Everyone there always helps me out, I can always speak to them, ask them anything and they’d all respond and be there to help.

“Last year I was one of the youth team players so you could tell I was a youth player coming into the team.

“Now, I think they see me as one of them and it makes me feel so welcomed and appreciated.

“Cam, Dale, Matty, and everyone get me involved with everything and it’s like being a normal player now.”

Sandel is looking forward to his involvement with the first team next season as enters another year in the youth team set-up. Despite the season just ending, the keeper can’t wait to get back.

“We’ve been off a couple of weeks and I already want to go back,” said Sandel.

“I think that’s the attitude we want in the club, that people want to play.

“I’ve still got another year of youth team football so even if I’m not playing for the first team, with Cam staying, I still get a game every week.

“I can still be with the first team on Saturday and training and then still playing and progressing.

“The best way to progress is to play games.”

By Luke Powell

STAFFORD RANGERS FC