2/1/08 Old boys in the news (ex-files edition 1)

Former midfielder Lee Downes (pictured), who left Stafford for Redditch in Autumn 2006, has told the Redditch Advertiser of his aim for 2008. Downes, who scored six times in 147 appearances for Rangers, hasn’t found the net for the Blue Square North side and would dearly love to net his first competitive goal since March 2006. That day he scored for Stafford against Barrow in a 3-1 win at Marston Road.

Currently the Redditch skipper, Downes said: “My resolution is definitely to score a goal.

“I was skipper with Stafford a few times and with Wolves youth. It is a big thing for me to lead the side out against the likes of Worcester - it is something I'm really enjoying.”

Downes isn’t only former Stafford player currently with Redditch as Danny Edwards, Matt Clarke, Chris Murphy and Carl Heggs all featured in the New Year’s Day victory over Worcester City with Dave Walker an unused sub. Craig Wilding scored a consolation goal for Worcester as the game finished 3-1.

Nantwich Town enjoyed a 6-0 win on New Year’s Day over Alsager Town in the Unibond League Division One South. Glyn Blackhurst was amongst the scorers having coincidently rejoined Nantwich from Alsager in the summer after progressing through the Youth ranks at Stafford. Summer trialists Nick Linford and Pav Suhaj are both currently with Nantwich as well.

Ramon Manak made three substitute appearances for Stafford at the beginning of the season. He was released at the end of September and currently plays for Bedworth United following a short spell at Rugby Town.

Goalkeeper Scott Loach, who finished his second loan spell with Stafford at the beginning of December, has been loaned again by Watford. This time he has joined League Two side Morecambe and made his debut for the Shrimps in their 2-1 New Year’s Day defeat at Stockport.

Former Assistant Manager David Oldfield made one appearance for Blue Square North side Tamworth before being appointed player-manager of Southern League side Brackley Town. On his game for Tamworth, David told thisistamworth.co.uk: “It was short and sweet you could say but I enjoyed my one appearance.

"In many ways it is sad that I couldn't play any longer at the club.

"But the chance to manage a club in the league below Tamworth was just too good an opportunity to miss and I couldn't turn down the opportunity.”

When Stafford were drawn at home to either Ossett Town or Rushall Olympic in the FA Trophy First Round, there was a chance that several familiar faces could return to Marston Road. Alas, Ossett won the replay so the likes of Lee Barrow, Chris Brindley, Richard Beale, Paul Szewczyk and Paul McMahon couldn’t tread the hallowed turf once more.

Former striker Peter Thompson, who left Stafford in summer 2006 after one season at Marston Road, is currently plying his trade with FC United. He joined the UInibond League side at the end of October.