retired_arlene

Sunday Mercury

Sunday 30th July

Rangers humbled

Solihull Borough looked anything but a side three leagues below their illustrious opponents despite playing for 84 minutes with only ten men following Jamie Petty’s dismissal for a poor challenge on Neil Grayson.

But it was the visitors who appeared to look a player light as they were carved open all too frequently and it was no surprise when Phil Rowe surged into the box to slot calmly past Danny Alcock. Grayson missed Stafford’s best chance to restore parity but manager Jay Jenkins rang the changes at half time.

The new influx of players didn’t have the desired effect as kamikaze defending allowed Richie Field to place a close range effort beyond a stricken Alcock within just two minutes of the restart.

The closest Stafford came to matching things up was when they too were reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Carl Motteram for an off the ball misdemeanour that left Jerome Grandison on the floor and the linesman flagging with an abundance of enthusiasm.

A long ball over the top from Craig Lovatt saw Terry Angus outpaced by Scott Rickards, who outfoxed Justin Bray with a cool finish. The latter stages petered out with the minimum of fuss much to the delight of newly appointed Solihull manager Micky Moore.

Solihull 2 (Rowe 19, Field 47)
Stafford 1 (Rickards 76)

Line up: Alcock, A.Gibson, Milliard, Slater, Sutton, Richards, Lovatt, Motteram, Grayson, Olaoye, Ridgway.
Subs used: Rickards, Shaw, Francis, Miller, Williams, Dacres

retired_arlene

www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk

Wednesday 2nd August

Stafford given stern test

Northern Counties East champions Buxton came almighty close to reigning supreme against Stafford at a packed and lively Silverlands, and Bucks boss Nicky Law will be extremely proud of his charges. They had passion, purpose and adventure about their play and were unlucky when former Belper Town midfielder Anton Foster had a shot well saved by stopper Dean Williams.

Rangers did manage some dominant spells of pressure, which they made count when Kevin Street got on the end of a Guy Madjo centre from the left edge of the box – this before Iwan Roberts’ header was chalked off for an offside flag.

Shortly before the interval, provider of the first goal Madjo this time turned scorer. A long Levi Reid ball saw Madjo have plenty to do out wide on the left but some fleet footedness saw him work his way into the box and squeeze a shot inside the near post.

When a Nathan Talbott free kick saw Roberts get above Terry Bowker to power a header home, the scoreline was given an unflattering look against the brave home side.

A late rally from Buxton saw them offer little more than a variety of crosses that were comfortably dealt with, although substitute keeper Danny Alcock did pull off a magnificent point blank save.

After defeating the Bucks of Buxton, the Bucks of AFC Telford United await Stafford on Saturday, at the impressive New Bucks Head stadium.

Buxton 0
Stafford 3 (Street 29, Madjo 41, Roberts 54)

Line up: Williams, Gibson, Talbott, Daniel, McAughtrie, Slater, Murphy, Street, Reid, Roberts, Madjo
Subs used: Alcock, Grayson, Motteram, Rickards, Olaoye, Ridgway, Dacres, Lovatt, Sutton, Edwards

retired_arlene

www.staffordrangers.co.uk

Friday 4th August

Managers update

Just a quick update for the supporters as we enter the last week of pre-season. It’s all fairy low key and to be honest that’s how we intend to keep it. We’ve got the Telford game tomorrow and we then travel to Leek on Tuesday but this game may not contain all our first teamers as we need to be fresh for the Oxford trip.

On the playing front, we’ve had it confirmed that Nathan Smith has a cruciate injury which is attributed to his recent accident. I know you’ll all join me in wishing him a prompt recovery.

Michael Standing, who we had on trial has signed for Grays, but we’ve bought in Carl Motteram anyway so there is healthy competition. I can’t tell you how delighted I am to also add Chris Slater and Scott Rickards to the ranks – they are two quality players and will give me a selection headache for sure.

I’ve also completed a deal with my old friend Gary Hackett at Stourbridge. He’s had four of our younger players – Ed Booth, Daniel Holgate, Steve Hopkinson and Matt Skinner. However all four players are also registered with Stafford and we can call upon them if we find our numbers depleted for any reason. It’s going to be a good experience for them competing at first team level, albeit a couple of leagues below us, but I know Gary and his coaching staff will help develop them as players.

I would say our squad is now complete – we still have plenty of numbers in. Some of the fringe players may find themselves being loaned out to other clubs to keep themselves sharp, and I don’t at this stage envisage any more signings.

However, we’re always on the lookout for extra quality so you never know. The signings made so far look like good business, it’s just a case of getting it all to gel together at Telford tomorrow so we can go into the Oxford game with confidence.

Jay Jenkins

retired_arlene

The Sentinel

Friday 4th August

Motteram hit with three game ban

New Stafford midfield man Carl Motteram has been hit with a three game ban for violent conduct following his dismissal in last weekend’s friendly defeat at Solihull Borough.

Rangers boss Jay Jenkins was surprisingly calm about the decision, stating

Quote:

“We can’t change it, and Carl was stupid to get himself involved. It will just give somebody else a chance now, so he’s got an even bigger job on his hands to get back into the team. He’s apologised for his actions and it’s all fine. He’s responding in the right way.”

retired_arlene

The Non League Paper

Sunday 6th August

Bold Bucks claim scalp

Unibond Premier Division favourites Telford recorded an eyebrow-raising victory over Stafford, largely thanks to wasteful finishing from the Conference outfit.

Guy Madjo had the first real chance, as he fired an effort over Stuart Brock’s bar and into the David Hutchinson stand but it was Telford who had the better of the opening exchanges and they duly went in front on 7 minutes when Lee Vaughan despatched a low cross from Dean Craven.

Former Rushall Olympic marksman Tyrone Barnett then hit the bar with a placed effort whilst Madjo went close for the visitors. Kevin Street and Levi Reid blazed efforts over late on in the half for Stafford, ensuring that Telford’s slender advantage was still intact for the interval.

Within a minute of the restart Street, once of Telford’s arch rivals Shrewsbury, almost silenced the home fans but saw his free kick well parried by Brock and it was the Telford custodian to the rescue shortly after as he tipped a Madjo effort wide.

Still the chances came for Stafford and Street capped an unimpressive display by squandering two further efforts wide of the target before sub Scott Rickards fired a golden opportunity over Brock’s bar from just six yards out.

AFC Telford United 1 (Vaughan 7)
Stafford Rangers 0

retired_arlene

The Non League Paper

Sunday 6th August

Conference preview

On the eve of the big kick off, this handy guide looks at who’s hot and who’s not in the race for Football League status:

Aldershot Town
The Shots look like an outside shot for the play offs. Manager Terry Brown has assembled a decent squad but they perhaps lack a bit of experience and know how to make a push this season.
Prediction – 12th

Altrincham
It promises to be a season of struggle at Moss Lane and they will look to the likes of veteran campaigner Steve Bushell to haul themselves clear of danger.
Prediction – 21st

Burton Albion
There is pressure to follow up last season’s ‘Manchester United and all that’ and The Brewers have managed to maintain the services of marksman Daryl Clare and manager Nigel Clough. However, it’s a big ask to mount a challenge over 46 games and mid-table looks a more realistic bet. However, there is always one surprise package. Could it be Burton?
Prediction – 15th

Cambridge United
A fine blend of firepower, experience and young hungry talent – along with a manager who has got a team promoted out of this league. Expect Jimmy Quinn to take Cambridge to the wire.
Prediction – 6th

Crawley Town
Off-field matters overshadow Crawley’s pre-season preparations and it’s a blow from which they may not recover. Maybe the Town faithful need to focus their ambitions on survival as a club as being a realistic achievement for this season.
Prediction – 24th

Dagenham and Redbridge
Some shrewd additions to a fairly settled squad, the Daggers look to be a major contender for the play off places.
Prediction – 7th

Exeter City
Manager Paul Tisdale takes charge of Exeter’s fourth season outside the Football League and has a good pool of players at his disposal. Lee Elam will terrorise defences and striker Adam Stansfield got promoted with Hereford last season.
Prediction – 2nd

Forest Green Rovers
Perennial strugglers who have finished in the bottom half in all but one of their eight seasons at this level, they always seem to pull survival out of the bag. They should have enough to survive this time out, especially with Danny Carey-Bertram bolstering the forward line and manager Jim Harvey has a wealth of Conference nous following his successful tenure with Morecambe.
Prediction – 19th

Gravesend and Northfleet
Liam Daish has assembled a squad of everybody else’s misfits but they look sharp and well organised, and this progressive club should better last season’s 16th placed finish.
Prediction – 13th

Grays Athletic
Surely they can’t better last season’s third placed finish following the loss of some big name players such as Michael Kightly and Aaron McLean. However, some fine replacements including Lee Boylan have signed for Athletic, and a challenge for the top is not beyond them – though they’d love nothing better than to retain the FA Trophy by winning it for a record third consecutive time.
Prediction – 8th

Halifax Town
Chris Wilder’s men felt play off heartbreak last season and could challenge again, although with few improvements to the squad they’ll be hard pressed to repeat the endeavours of the last campaign.
Prediction – 9th

Kidderminster Harriers
A nice blend of experience and youth, but it’s a lot to ask of the more junior members of their ranks to mount a push. The likes of Dean Sturridge will provide the know how but Harriers fans may find this season one of disappointment.
Prediction – 11th

Morecambe
Many people fancied Morecambe until Danny Carlton left for Accrington and Garry Hunter was ruled out for the season. It’s two massive blows to recover from.
Prediction – 10th

Northwich Victoria
Conference North champions by some margin, Steve Burr’s Vics should be able to make the step up.
Prediction – 18th

Oxford United
Champions elect already but a squad packed with tremendous quality. If they can shake off the disappointment of how they arrived in the Conference in the first place, Jim Smith’s men can achieve great things.
Prediction – 1st

Rushden and Diamonds
Graham Westley’s exciting squad will push the big guns all the way. Westley knows this division inside out, so don’t rule out an immediate return to the Football League for the Nene Park faithful.
Prediction – 4th

Southport
Former Colwyn Bay manager Peter Davenport steps into the managerial hotseat, and if he keeps the Sandgrounders up it will emulate anything he achieved during his superb playing career.
Prediction – 22nd

St. Albans City
Came up via the play offs and are a good side on their day, but lack the real quality to avoid being considered anything other than relegation fodder.
Prediction – 23rd

Stafford Rangers
Used to winning most weeks during the Phil Robinson era, so new manager Jay Jenkins has a tough task in a higher division. Many new faces in the squad – Rangers will survive providing they gel quickly.
Prediction – 20th

Stevenage Borough
Mark Stimson is a manager used to winning things and cut his managerial teeth at Grays. Borough is a club that can take him to that next level in management – providing he chips into his side of the bargain first. A good bet for the play offs at least.
Prediction – 5th

Tamworth
If ever there was a club used to making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear it is the Lambs. After last season’s FA Cup heroics, a slightly increased budget has heralded an increase in quality in the squad. They should have nothing to fear, as former favourites Gary Mills and Darron Gee take charge once again, replacing Mark Cooper.
Prediction – 17th

Weymouth
Another club with major off field upheaval but with several interested wealthy potential investors, Weymouth should be ok. However, it may not be the current group of players that saves them in a potentially soap opera-like season.
Prediction – 16th

Woking
Lack the necessary depth to push for the top positions, but too much quality to get caught up in a relegation scrap.
Prediction – 14th

York City
Exciting group of players at a club who have underachieved for several seasons. However, Billy McEwan is certainly capable of turning around the clubs fortunes. A definite contender, especially if they keep hold of one of the hottest properties in non league football – Clayton Donaldson.
Prediction – 3rd

retired_arlene

www.staffordrangers.co.uk

Monday 7th August

Player pen pics

Management

JAY JENKINS
MANAGER
Date of birth: 22/07/76; Place: Wolverhampton

Highly regarded throughout non league circles before he tragically had his playing career cut short at the age of 23, but began coaching at Wednesfield during their Midland Alliance days. Having worked his way up to manager he left the club to guide Causeway into Midland Alliance football from the West Midlands Regional League. After steady progress the club and manager amicably parted ways before he joined Rangers on the coaching staff. Was named as successor to Phil Robinson in July 2006 for by far his biggest job in football to date.

ERIC STEELE
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Date of birth: 14/05/54; Place: Newcastle
Steele began his playing career as a goalkeeper at Newcastle United in 1972, where he was part of the squad that won the Anglo-Italian Cup and won caps at England under-18 level. He then joined Peterborough United, and established himself as first-choice 'keeper, setting a record for most consecutive league appearances (124) that still stands today. He later joined Brighton and Hove Albion, Watford, and Derby County, winning 5 promotions in 12 years with those clubs.
In 1988, he retired to run a pub, before establishing Eric Steele Coaching Services, which provided goalkeeping coaching to Manchester City, Leeds United, Derby County, and Barnsley, as well as working overseas in Switzerland, Norway and Germany and the USA.
Derby County came calling again in 1997, and he spent four years coaching there before being appointed goalkeeping coach at Aston Villa in 2001. Steele left his post at Aston Villa in 2006 before using his wealth of experience to link up with Rangers as Assistant Manager.
Players

DEAN WILLIAMS (Squad number 1)
GOALKEEPER
Date of birth: 1/5/72; Place: Lichfield
Dean joined the club in September last year and capped a great season of 19 clean sheets with a vital penalty save in the play-off-final shoot-out victory over Droylsden. He began his career as a trainee at Birmingham City, making his League debut in 1990, but left for Tamworth. Dean continued his professional career with Brentford and Doncaster before returning to the non-league scene. Spells with Gateshead and Telford United followed before he moved to League of Wales outfit TNS and played for them in the UEFA Cup against Manchester City at the Millennium Stadium. In February 2004, Dean joined Aberystwyth Town prior to spending most of the 2004/05 season at Forest Green Rovers.

CHRIS SLATER (2)
DEFENDFER
Date of birth: 14/01/84; Place: Lichfield
Extremely highly rated central defensive lynchpin who began his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Upon hid release from the Molineux men he joined Midland Alliance side Chasetown. Under the stewardship of Charlie Blakemore, Slater played a starring role in the Scholars promotion to the Southern League for the first time in their history, and was also singled out for his outstanding displays in their memorable FA Cup journey where they reached the First Round proper before bravely bowing out to Oldham Athletic in a replay at Boundary Park.

Walsall, Blackpool and Tranmere Rovers have all taken him on trial and if he continues to progress then the big clubs will surely come knocking on the door.

NATHAN TALBOTT (3)
DEFENDER
Date of birth: 21/10/84; Place: Wolverhampton
A versatile left-sided player, Nathan joined Stafford in August 2004 and amongst the highlights of his first season with the club, he was voted runner-up for the February 2005 Nationwide North Player of the Month award. He was ever-present in the League last season and made his 100th appearance for the club at the end of September 2006. He began his career as a trainee with Wolverhampton Wanderers and made his Football League debut for Yeovil Town in April 2004.

CRAIG McAUGHTRIE (4)
DEFENDER
Date of birth: 03/03/81; Place: Burton-on-Trent
A commanding central defender who can also play at full-back, Craig has been outstanding this season alongside Wayne Daniel. He began his career as a trainee at Sheffield United and made his Football League debut in September 2000 after joining Carlisle United, making 10 League appearances for the Cumbrian side. Craig joined Stafford in summer 2002 and has now almost 200 appearances. In 2004/05 he won all three Player of the Season awards - Supporters, Players and Manager.

WAYNE DANIEL (5)
DEFENDER
Date of birth: 12/12/76; Place: Birmingham
Club Captain Wayne is one a number of the current squad who joined Stafford Rangers in summer 2002 following the arrival of Phil Robinson. Always a favourite with the fans he was voted both Supporters’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season in both 2002/03 and 2003/04, becoming the first and only player to retain these awards. A commanding central defender, 29-year-old Wayne was also named Manager’s Player of the Season in 2003/04. Previously with Kidderminster Harriers, Bridgnorth Town and Paget Rangers, he had made his 200th appearance for the club in the second game this season. Wayne was a member of the winning Staffordshire Senior Cup side in both 2003 and 2005 like several of his current teammates.

CRAIG LOVATT (6)
MIDFIELDER
Date of birth: 16/11/78; Place: Stoke on Trent
Craig is the longest-serving member of the current squad having joined Stafford in October 2000. He began his career as an enthusiastic younger at Stone Dominoes and went on to become a regular at both Kidsgrove Athletic and Leek Town. He made his 250th appearance for Stafford towards the end of last season and has twice won the Staffordshire Senior Cup with the club. Craig was also a member of the side that set a club-record victory in November 2001, scoring the 15th and last goal in the amazing victory over Kidsgrove.

SEAN RIDGWAY (7)
MIDFIELDER
Highly rated and talented central midfielder, Sean began his career with Luton Town. He spent part of last season on loan with Rushden and Diamonds before being released by the Hatters at the end of the campaign. The capture of Ridgway represents something of a coup for the club as they fought off stiff competition for the Irishman’s services.

KEVIN STREET (8)
MIDFIELDER
Date of birth: 25/11/77; Place: Crewe
Kevin is an attacking midfield player who joined Rangers at the start of the 2005/06 campaign and played in all but two Nationwide North games last season. He began his career with hometown club Crewe Alexandra and scored a last minute winner on his League debut back in September 1997. Making over 100 League appearances for Alex, he had a spell on loan at Luton Town before joining Northwich Victoria in summer 2002. He stayed with Vics for three months before returning to the League with Bristol Rovers. After a year with Rovers, he signed for Shrewsbury Town where he remained before his move to Marston Road in August 2005.

NEIL GRAYSON (9)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 01/11/1964; Place: York
Named as the 2005/06 Stafford Rangers Supporters’ Player of the Season, 42-year-old Neil has made his 100th appearances for the club in last season’s play-off semi-final. He also scored in the play-off final against Droylsden Signed from Forest Green Rovers in March 2004, Neil marked his debut against Moor Green with a goal inside two minutes. He began his career with York based non-league side Rowntree Mackintosh from where he snapped up by Doncaster Rovers, for whom he made his Football League debut.

He dipped in and out of the League with spells at York City, Chesterfield, Gateshead, Boston United, Northampton Town, Hereford United, Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers. During his time at Cheltenham, Neil won two promotions, was named Conference Player of the Year for the 1998/99 season, became an England Semi-Pro International and scored The Robins’ first Football League goal. A popular player with the fans, Neil was named as the all-time cult-hero at not one but two League clubs as fans of Northampton and Cheltenham named him their most popular player ever.

NATHAN SMITH (10)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 26/3/85; Place: Birmingham
Currently sidelined by a long-term knee injury, Nathan joined Stafford in summer 2005 from Rushall Olympic and began the season in the Under-21 squad. Impressive performances in the Staffordshire County League, including one five-goal haul, quickly earned a call-up to the first-team squad where he has become established. Nathan scored 13 goals last season.

ROBIN GIBSON (11)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 15/11/79; Place: Crewe
An exciting winger who has pleased the crowds wherever he has played, Robin joined Stafford in summer 2002. After beginning his career as a trainee with Crewe Alexandra, he joined Wrexham in August 1998 and made 77 League appearances for the North Wales club. He won their Young Player of the Season award and also hit the headlines after scoring in a giantkilling FA Cup victory over Middlesbrough. Since joining Stafford, he has twice received a Staffordshire Senior Cup Final winners medal. Robin scored the winner against Harrogate back in May, which put Stafford into the play-off final.

GUY MADJO (12)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 1/6/84; Place: Douala, Cameroon
Rangers snapped up Guy in July 2006 after the Cameroon-born striker impressed during a pre-season trial. He began last season with Bristol City and made his League debut at Brentford. Guy then moved to Forest Green Rovers, initially on loan, and helped save the Gloucestershire side from relegation. He also scored for Rovers in an FA Trophy at Marston Road against Stafford back in February.

LEVI REID (13)
MIDFIELD
Date of birth: 09/12/83; Place: Stafford
The scorer of the winning penalty in last season's shoot-out play-off final victory, Levi rejoined Stafford at the beginning of pre-season. He originally joined Rangers in the 2005 close season after impressing in pre-season friendlies and began his career as a youngster at Port Vale.

IWAN ROBERTS (14)
STRIKER (and coach)
Roberts, a fluent Welsh speaker, played schoolboy football and for Caernarfon Town before beginning his professional career at Watford, who he joined as a trainee in 1985 before signing his first professional contract in 1986. He scored 9 goals in 63 games for the Hornets before moving to Huddersfield Town prior to the start of the 1990-91 season. His form for Huddersfield - where he scored 50 goals in 142 games - got him noticed by other clubs and in November 1993 he was signed by Leicester City, for whom he would score 41 goals in 100 games. His goals and performances for Leicester persuaded Wolves to sign him in the summer of 1996. He spent only one season at Molineux and confirmed in his 2004 autobiography that he did not enjoy his time there and does not have any fondness for the club, due largely to the mentality of many Wolves supporters. He did, however, score a hat-trick for the club in a match against their bitter local rivals West Bromwich Albion and, overall, scored 12 goals in 33 games.

In July 1997, Norwich City manager Mike Walker paid £850,000 to Wolves to secure the services of Roberts. Roberts spent 7 years at Carrow Road and they were undoubtedly the best seven years of his career. By the time he was released by Norwich in the summer of 2004 he had acquired legendary status among City supporters. His time at the club did not begin happily, however. Throughout the 1997-98 season he struggled for form and fitness and scored just 7 goals in 33 games. Many Norwich supporters questioned Walker's judgement in spending so much money on a player who had thus far delivered very little. Walker left the club shortly before the end of the season and was replaced during the summer by Bruce Rioch.

Roberts worked hard on his fitness and the following season saw him finish as the club's top goalscorer with 23 goals in 51 games. Norwich fans voted him player of the season. In the 1999-00 season he was again top scorer (19 goals in 49 games) and retained the player of the season award. He just missed out on becoming the first player in the club's history to win the award 3 years in a row when Andy Marshall finished narrowly ahead of him in the voting for the 2000-01 season.

During that 1999-00 campaign there was speculation about Roberts's future as his contract was due to expire in the summer of 2000. Shortly after he signed a contract extension in January of that season, Bruce Rioch left the club and was succeeded by Bryan Hamilton. Roberts helped Hamilton make a good start when he scored both goals in a 2-0 win at Portman Road against City's rivals Ipswich Town F.C. on 19 March 2000. However, Roberts and Hamilton did not have a good relationship during the Ulsterman's short spell in charge and after Hamilton left the club during the 2000-01 season, Roberts intimated that if he had known that Hamilton was going to succeed Rioch then he would not have signed his contract extension.

Although Roberts was personally enjoying the most productive spell of his career, his four years so far at Carrow Road had seen the club struggle. They had barely threatened to qualify for the end of season play-offs and in the 2000-01 campaign had struggled against relegation from division one. The 2001-02 season - with new manager Nigel Worthington in his first full season in charge - saw the team fare better and they reached the division one play-off final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. Roberts missed much of the second half of the season because of injury, but came off the substitute's bench in the final to give Norwich the lead in the first minute of extra-time with a clinically-taken headed goal. Norwich lost the match in a penalty shoot-out after Birmingham had equalised. Roberts took - and scored - the first penalty of the shoot-out but misses by Phil Mulryne and Daryl Sutch proved costly as Birmingham were promoted to the Premiership.

During the 2002-03 season, in a match against Sheffield Wednesday at Carrow Road, Roberts scored twice to move into third place on the list of Norwich City's all-time leading goalscorers, overtaking Robert Fleck in the process. The season overall, however, was not a happy one for Roberts or Norwich. The Canaries faded after a good start to the season and failed to qualify for the play-offs, while Roberts scored just 7 goals in 47 games leading many supporters to believe that his best days were behind him. The 2003-04 season would be his last at Carrow Road and although he was no longer an automatic selection for the first team he played an important part in one of the club's best-ever seasons. The team won the division one championship in style and were promoted to the premiership. Roberts weighed in with some crucial goals, including the winning goal in a top-of-the-table match against Sheffield United. Roberts revealed in his autobiography that in February of that season he had a cancer scare and had to have a malignant melanoma removed from his arm.

A few days before the club's last home match of that 2003-04 season, Norwich manager Nigel Worthington announced that Roberts would not be offered a new contract when his deal expired that summer. Worthington felt that, following promotion to the Premiership, the club had to look to the future and that Roberts was now surplus to requirements. The Norwich supporters gave him a rapturous reception at his last match for the club at Carrow Road and during the post-match promotion celebrations Roberts wore a T-shirt that bore the legend 'Thanks for 7 great years'. With the championship already won, Worthington restored Roberts to the starting line-up for the last game of the season at Gresty Road against Crewe Alexandra and made him captain for the day. Roberts scored twice as City won 3-1. The first of his goals that day is rated by many Norwich fans as one of the best that he ever scored for the club. Overall, he scored 96 goals in 306 games for Norwich.

After being released by Norwich, there was much speculation regarding his next career move. He received a number of offers but eventually signed a two year contract with Gillingham where he would be player/coach. It did not prove a good move for Roberts and he had a number of disgreements with the club, particularly after Stan Ternent had succeeded Andy Hessenthaler as manager. In March 2005 he joined Cambridge United on loan until the end of the season. Cambridge were relegated from League Two. In August 2005, Roberts retired from playing after reaching an agreement with Gillingham to pay the final year of his contract.

Since being tempted out of retirement, Roberts had expressed a desire to continue his coaching career. When Norwich City sacked Steve Foley as first team coach in May 2006 there was speculation among many Norwich supporters that Roberts would be returning to the club as coach, though this did not happen as the club appointed Martin Hunter to the post, but he soon returned to football and will play an integral part in Stafford’s success both on and off the pitch.

DANNY EDWARDS (15)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 27/10/83; Place: Shrewsbury
A talented left winger with accurate delivery of crosses, Danny initially joined Stafford on loan from Shrewsbury Town towards the end of the 2002/03 season but didn’t made his first-team debut until August 2003 after the move was made permanent. Soon after, he sustained a serious injury which left him sidelined for over a year but came back strongly last season.

SCOTT RICKARDS (16)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 03/11/81; Place: Sutton Coldfield
Former Derby County trainee swapped the Rams for the Lambs of Tamworth in the summer of 2001 without making a first team start at Pride Park. A prolific two and a half seasons spearheading the Tamworth attack saw Kidderminster Harriers shell out £5,000 to secure his services in late 2003. However, after just one goal in seventeen league games at Aggborough, Rickards was moved on and had another spell at Tamworth sandwiched in between stints at Redditch United and Nuneaton Borough before joining Stafford in a bid to fulfil his undoubted potential.

DANNY ALCOCK (17)
GOALKEEPER
Date of birth: 15/2/84; Place: Newcastle-under-Lyme
Son of Barry Alcock, who played in goal for Stafford during the 1980s, Danny was signed at the beginning of July after being released by Accrington Stanley. He spent three years at Stoke City and progressed to the Reserves but left to make his Football League debut for Barnsley in April 2004. Danny spent the last two seasons at Accrington, making six Nationwide Conference appearances and will compete for the goalkeepers jersey with Dean Williams.

DOLAPO OLAOYE (18)
FORWARD
Date of birth: 17/10/82; Place Nigeria
Del is another player signed on the eve of the Stafford’s first season back in the Nationwide Conference. He began his career with Port Vale and has also played in the United States for both the Michigan Bucks and Mercer University. Del is a powerful and explosive striker who will add quality to the Rangers front line.

CARL MOTTERAM (19)
MIDFIELDER
Date of birth: 03/09/84; Place: Birmingham
Moterram began his career with Birmingham City, joining the St. Andrews side as a 12-year old. He progressed through the youth and trainee sides and turned professional in August 2003.

He made the substitutes' bench for the trip to Tottenham Hotspur on January 7, 2004, but that was the closest he got to playing for the Birmingham City first team.

He joined Conference side Tamworth on loan in November 2005 where he played for them against Hartlepool United on their FA Cup run. He then moved on to Stafford on a free transfer in July 2006 following a successful trial period. A gifted player with bags of promise, Carl is one to watch out for.

ALEX GIBSON (20)
DEFENDER
Date of birth: 12/08/82; Place: Plymouth
Alex, who grew up in Stafford, was signed by Stoke City on schoolboy forms. He worked his was up through the youth system but due to lack of first team opportunities moved to Port Vale in June 2001, making his debut for them in October 2001. He joined Rangers in the 2002 close season, then had a spell with Hednesford Town before returning to Stafford towards the end of 2004.

CHRISTIAN DACRES (21)
MIDFIELDER
Date of birth: 20/6/87; Place: Stafford
Christian, a local lad who was on the books of Charlton Athletic as a youngster, has progressed into the First team squad after impressing in the ‘A’ team that plays in the County Senior League.

COURTNEY SHAW (23)
MIDFIELDER
Date of birth: 22/8/86; Place: Birmingham
Tricky winger has yet to make a break into the first team following his arrival last season from Rod Brown’s Bromsgrove Rovers. A skilful player with plenty of potential.

RICHIE SUTTON (26)
DEFENDER
Date of birth: 29/4/86; Place: Stoke-on-Trent
Richard has re-joined the club on loan from Crewe Alexandra and his spell at Stafford Rangers has been extended until the end of the 2006/07 season. He slotted into the right-back spot back at the end of last season. Richie has developed into strong defender, who can also play at centre-back, in Crewe’s Under-18 and Reserve teams. Last season, as well as helping Stafford clinch promotion, he had another spell on loan at Leek Town.

GED MURPHY (27)
MIDFIELDER
Date of birth: 19/12/78; Place: Manchester
Ged rejoined Stafford Rangers in August 2005 having previously made one appearance for the club during the 1999/2000 season. After beginning his career at Oldham Athletic, he had spells with Barrow, Nuneaton Borough, Hyde United and Leigh RMI as well as Stafford. In August 2001, Ged joined Stalybridge in August 2001, switching to Droylsden a year later where he stayed until November 2005. He then had a spell with Altrincham and also a period on loan at Radcliffe Borough.

LIAM MURRAY (30)
DEFENDER
Date of birth: 01/08/85; Place: Stafford
Liam is a versatile defender who joined his hometown club in summer 2005. He began his career with Shrewsbury Town and spent the end of the 2004/05 campaign with Leigh RMI, making six Conference appearances. He moved to Marston Road following his release by Shrewsbury and made 24 appearances for Stafford last season.

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www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk

Wednesday 9th August

Rangers struggle to plug Leek-y defence

Although not at full strength, Stafford may have expected to come away from Harrison Park with a victory but all those hopes were blown away inside the first 13 minutes as low Michael Holt drive and an explosive finish from Anthony Danylyk gave Danny Alcock no chance, with Stafford’s former Leek defender Richie Sutton exposed on both occasions.

In a familiar pre-season story, Stafford then had a host of chances but a lack of composure in front of goal cost them dear. Dolapo Olaoye wasted two opportunities, and Richie Miller saw his firm header well blocked. Late on, Leek stopper Will Smith was saved by the men in black as Carl Motteram was deemed offside when put clean through on goal.

Leek Town 2 (Holt 6, Danylyk 13)
Stafford Rangers 0

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www.staffordrangers.co.uk

Friday 11th August

Oxford United v Stafford Rangers preview

Stafford’s return to the Conference sees a tricky away day at promotion favourites Oxford United in the offing. Former manager Jim Smith has returned to the club and assembled an impressive squad of players.

Rangers will be without Nathan Smith (cruciate ligaments), Liam Murray (wrist), Christian Dacres (ankle) and Carl Motteram (suspended) for their maiden visit to the Kassam stadium.

Manager Jay Jenkins said,

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Sunday Mercury

Sunday 13th August

Unhappy Conference return for Rangers

Stafford’s return to non league’s elite ended in disappointment as they were trounced by three without reply to a lively Oxford side.

United almost made a dream start when wing back Eddie Ancalet rifled over from 25 yards in the opening seconds of the game, before any Stafford player had touched the ball. Just moments later, Ancalet did manage to find the target, converting from the edge of the box after Eddie Hutchinson had picked up a loose ball in midfield.

Levi Reid entered the referee’s notebook as Rangers seemed to be second to everything in midfield. Hutchinson seized upon a weak goal kick and narrowly fired over, sparing the blushes of Dean Williams in the visitors goal. Stafford weren’t without their chances, and Billy Turley awkwardly kept out Reid’s long distance free kick but the former Rushden stopper dealt more comfortably with a Kevin Street strike from a similar distance.

As Stafford gained a foothold, a routine long ball caused chaos at the back and Guy Madjo saw Turley to be at his best to block a right footed effort. The rebound fell to Reid, but his follow up was deflected into the arms of the goalkeeper. Just as the tide looked it may be turning, Matt Day’s long free kick saw Latvian debutant Kristas Grebis beat Craig McAughtrie in the air and plant a firm header beyond the reach of Williams. Grebis was in the thick of the action again but a left footed shot was denied by the Rangers custodian.

The ineffectual Ged Murphy was withdrawn at the interval as Richie Sutton’s arrival signalled a change to 4-4-2 with Wayne Daniel shuffling across to left back and the two wide men pushing into more advanced roles. It was the home side who had the first chance after the break when Andy Burgess sent Robert Duffy through. He shrugged off the attentions of Chris Slater but ballooned his effort over the crossbar. With twenty minutes to go, Duffy again got the better of Slater but the Welshman was hauled down by Rangers’ centre back. Fortunately for the ex-Chasetown star, only a yellow card was brandished.

A torrid afternoon for Slater was complete late on when Duffy skipped past him and finished clinically.

Manager Jay Jenkins said of the defeat,

Oxford United 3 (Ancalet 4, Grebis 34, Duffy 81)
Stafford Rangers 0

Line up: Williams, McAughtrie, Daniel, Slater, Gibson, Reid, Street, Murphy (Sutton 45), Talbott (Lovatt 67), Madjo (Rickards 67), Roberts. Subs not used: Alcock, Olaoye.