Stafford Rangers appoint Graham Heathcote as new manager

Graham Heathcote has been named the new manager of Stafford Rangers – the club's third of the campaign.

The former Altrincham boss was appointed this afternoon, just over 24 hours since the Marston Road club parted company with Andy Mutch.

Rangers are currently bottom-but-one of the Evo-Stik Premier Division, some 17 points adrift of safety with 18 games remaining.

Heathcote spent eight years as boss of Altrincham and masterminded their return to the Conference Premier in 2006. He was previously linked with the Rangers job in 2010.

Heathcote will be present at tomorrow's game with Stocksbridge Park Steels but the team will be selected by head coach Martin Prentice.

Rangers have endured a miserable campaign which began with seven straight league defeats and led to the sacking of Greg Clowes. Former Wolves striker Mutch was initially able to begin something of a revival but was unable to sustain it, departing yesterday after five straight defeats.