Stafford Rangers part ways with Neil Kitching amid woeful run
Stafford Rangers have parted ways with manager Neil Kitching after a poor run of results.
Rangers’ miserable form continued with a 6-1 drubbing at Nantwich Town on New Year’s Day.
Stafford conceded five second-half goals, including three in the first eight minutes after the break, to suffer their heaviest defeat of the season.
Kitching departs after just less than a year in charge, with the Rangers winless in 10 Northern One West matches.
The Rangers sit 17th, level on points with Wythenshawe Town, who occupy a relegation spot.
Coach Graham Deakin is expected to take charge on an interim basis.
A club statement read: "This is not something that we wanted to happen, but the responsibility of the board is to make a decision based upon what we considered are the best interests of the football club.
"Results on the pitch have not gone our way and the major and overriding priority is to make changes that will hopefully enable us to have the time to ensure the club remains at step four.
"The board met on Saturday, January 3 and felt there was no other option than to make this move and Neil was spoken to immediately after the meeting.
"Neil will leave us together with his staff Nick Amos and Ian Cooper. They have been fine stalwarts for Stafford Rangers, and we thank them immensely for their total commitment to the club during both their first tenure at the club and this one.
"Football can often be cruel and ugly, but it is a results based business and everyone recognises this, but it makes the decision no easier, it still hurts and we find no comfort in announcing this news."
Kitching signed a three-year deal at Stafford in May, committing him to the club until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Kitching had rejoined Rangers in January with the club in a similar position and led them comfortably clear of danger thanks to an impressive run of form.
Supporters were keen for him to return following his previous success at the club. During his four-year spell between 2014 and 2018, Kitching guided Rangers to the Evo-Stik First Division South title and the Staffordshire Senior Cup.
The club has endured a turbulent few years. Rangers were relegated from the Northern Premier League at the end of the 2023/24 season, which resulted in the departure of manager Matt Hill.
His successor, Dave Cooke, resigned after a difficult start to last season, with Dale Belford then taking charge. However, Belford also departed as Rangers' struggles continued, paving the way for Kitching's return.
Rangers are due to visit Coleshill Town in the Walsall Senior Cup on Sunday (January 5) before welcoming fellow league strugglers Darlaston Town on January 10.
