Stafford Rangers boosted by new American-based, Wolverhampton-born investor

Wolverhampton-born Nathan Owen has become the latest investor in Stafford Rangers, following a recent six-figure investment from Dallas-based businessman George Bruneau.

It is an exciting time for the historic club, which has endured several challenging years on the pitch and is currently battling through another difficult campaign at step four of the non-league pyramid.

Upon joining, Owen has outlined a clear vision that includes significant investment across the club's infrastructure, including the social club, shop, stands, toilets, PA system and catering facilities, alongside the potential installation of a 3G pitch.

Despite being based in the United States, Owen has deep personal and family ties to the area. Born in Wolverhampton, he grew up in Rugeley, and regularly watched Stafford Rangers during the late 1990s.

The investment comes at a significant time for the club, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Owen has outlined his long-term ambition to help "restore Stafford Rangers to the proud position and reputation" the club enjoyed when he left the UK.

"We cannot control what happens on the pitch, even if we can influence it, but we can absolutely control what happens off the pitch," he said. 

"The plan is therefore to invest heavily across all of these areas: to maximise daily use of the club’s facilities by the local community, to transform the matchday experience into something Stafford can rightly be proud of, and to reinvest those proceeds back into the club both on and off the pitch, again and again and again.

"Both George Bruneau and I share the same belief that investing properly off the pitch is the foundation for restoring the club’s fortunes on it.

"We are both committed to Stafford Rangers for the long term. This is not about any returns other than good fortune on the pitch, transformational change off the pitch and a great deal of enjoyment and pride for us all along the way."

The investment also comes amid ongoing discussions surrounding the future of Marston Road, Rangers' home for more than 130 years, and Owen was clear he would not support a move away from the historic ground.

He added: "For me, this project is deeply personal, and I passionately believe home is where the heart is. 

"Marston Road has been our home for 130 years and this is generational. Supporters of this club have consistently volunteered their time and effort to take care of this grand old lady generation after generation. 

"We have a duty and responsibility to carry that on. It may need more than a coat or two of paint, and it may be landlocked from a redevelopment perspective. What it lacks in kerb appeal it more than makes up for in atmosphere, tradition, and its location so close to the town centre. 

"I for one could never contemplate relocating and selling it for housing unless the supporters compelled us to do so."

Owen explained that his renewed connection with the club came during a visit home over Christmas 2024, when he was walking along the canal in Stafford and heard the roar of the crowd following a goal at Marston Road.

"I began to dream of what could be and I have kept a close eye on the club’s fortunes since," Owen continued. "I reached out to the board at the end of December 2025 with a vision, capability, and desire to make a difference, especially in the club’s 150th anniversary year’."

He added: "I may have been away from the country for 26 years, but I have always retained a passion for football and an even deeper passion, pride and commitment to the people and area we grew up in.

"In 2023 I was dismayed to learn a club not too far away had fallen on tough times and offered a helping hand. This ultimately came to nothing, but I am a big believer in fate and believe things worked out for the best for all concerned and this led me to today."

Both Owen and Bruneau will attend the Rangers' Northern One West clash with Bury tomorrow (Saturday, January 24).