21/2/08 - From Steve Bull MBE, the new Stafford Rangers manager

I can finally announce that today I have been appointed as Stafford Rangers’ new manager with effect from 1st March.

I am delighted to fulfil a long-held ambition to begin a career in management. Ever since I retired from playing, I don’t think it has been a secret that I would love to manage a club one day, but as I developed my own Events company, I suppose I didn’t actively seek out another role in football.

It was during a recent appearance on Sky Soccer’s ‘Soccer AM’ programme that I acknowledged that I need ‘a kick up the backside’ if I am to follow a career in football management and this prompted a number of approaches from club chairmen. I met with the Directors of Stafford Rangers and there was an almost immediate understanding that both parties would benefit from me becoming their new Manager.

However, I know that it won’t be all plain sailing and taking over a team that is eleven points away from safety is certainly a challenge. I am looking forward to working as hard as I can to bring success to Stafford Rangers. I am grateful to the Directors for giving me this chance and I have no intention of letting them down. Relegation is not a foregone conclusion – the Board is determined, I am determined, the team will work as hard as they can and, with the support of the fans, I really believe we have every chance of avoiding the dreaded drop.

I can’t wait to start and I know I don’t start officially until 1st March. We have two important games before that and I’ll be doing all I can to help. I’ll be at Halifax and Histon cheering on the lads and if they can reproduce the form of last Saturday there’s no reason why we can’t get something from those games.

I will continue in my role as a Patron of Promised Dreams, the Wolverhampton-based charity that helps sick and terminally ill children. I am also proud to say I will also remain a Vice President at Wolves, and will be attending as many games as possible when not managing my new team.

Finally, I would be over the moon to see any fans, old and new, come along and support me and the lads on Saturday 1st March. I am told the ground holds 3000 and the last home game they have just under 600. If we can fill the place to the rafters, the crowd will be like an extra man and give the team a real lift. Please contact the Secretary on 01785 602430 for more information.

UP THE RANGERS!!!

Steve Bull MBE
Thursday 21st February 2008

(Photos: Malc and Tracey Hampton, Hampton Productions)