Stafford Rangers appoint Graham Deakin as manager for remainder of season
Stafford Rangers have appointed Graham Deakin as their manager for the remainder of the season.
The Rangers have confirmed they will not advertise for the vacant managerial position following their decision to part company with Neil Kitching after a heavy 6-1 defeat at Nantwich Town on New Year's Day.
That loss extended Stafford's winless run to 10 Northern One West matches and was their seventh defeat in a row.
In a statement, the club said its priority was to make changes that would "hopefully enable us to have the time to ensure the club remains at step four". Stafford currently sit 17th in the table, level on points with Wythenshawe Town, who occupy a relegation zone place.
On Monday morning, the Rangers announced that coach Graham Deakin would take charge for the remainder of the campaign.
A statement read: "This very importantly maintains continuity and Graham believes he can galvanise the squad ahead of our forthcoming fixtures to get results.
"He has proven himself with the club and we believe he has the experience and connection with the club and players to be effective. The players have expressed their confidence in this decision and will all be working hard to change our fortunes.
"Bringing someone unknown into the football club is not something we feel is achievable with the timescale open to us and we will not be asking for applicants.
"Graham intends to appoint his own backroom staff as soon as possible but would have been assisted at the now cancelled game tonight at Coleshill Town on Monday by Dan Cockerline and Scott Cooksey, our current goalkeeper coach, who will remain with the club."
The Rangers were due to visit Coleshill Town in the Walsall Senior Cup this evening. However, the clash has fallen foul to the weather. They welcome fellow league strugglers Darlaston Town on Saturday.
