Bully braced for Farsley opener

Stafford manager Steve Bull has told his new-look side to "show the fans what you are made of" as they kick off their Blue Square North campaign against Farsley at Marston Road tomorrow (3pm).

Rangers get down to business in their first season back in the second tier of non-league football, after two seasons in the Premier, with Bully undertaking his first full campaign as boss.

Players have been in and out of Marston Road all summer, with a much changed XI taking to the field against John Deacey's side, who were the only club to finish below Stafford in the top tier last season.

Bull is not worried about all the changes - it is his side now.

He said: "It is nice to have my full squad sorted before we kick off the season and it feels like my side now. When I got here in February, they were not my players and I felt some were not good enough.

"It has been a busy summer getting the players in to form a new side and getting rid of the players who were coasting along. Now I have a committed squad who are fit. That is the big difference.

"We will add to the side and change during the season, I am sure. That is always necessary during a campaign. But we have a solid XI with some good squad players here and you will notice the difference on the pitch."

A dreadful season in 2007/08 has led to a sombre mood around the club, which Bull hopes to alievate with a morale-boosting opening day win.

He knows that success on the pitch is the best way to get the fans back on their side.

He said: "By hook or by crook, we have to win against Farsley. That will get the crowd behind the team and, importantly, get some of the fans back through the turnstiles.

"I implore the people of Stafford to come down tomorrow and get behind the side, They need you."