Rangers in cash crisis
Stafford Rangers' troubled season took another lurch towards the brink this week with a round of cost-cutting measures introduced by the board.
Stafford Rangers' troubled season took another lurch towards the brink this week with a round of cost-cutting measures introduced by the board.
They followed a dire warning from secretary and financial director Mike Hughes that the struggling Blue Square Premier club was heading towards a cash crisis.
Among the economy measures was dispensing with the services of manager Phil Robinson's right-hand man, Dave Oldfield.
The 39-year-old former Manchester City and Luton star had been at Marston Road for the last 18 months and over recent weeks had been helping to prop up Robinson's midfield in his role as player-coach.
His exit must signal just how potentially serious the financial situation is at Rangers.
They now find themselves fighting a war on two fronts – a battle to stave off relegation in only their second season in non-League's top flight and a battle to stay solvent.
Hughes warned: "If we continue to plough on like this willy-nilly we are going to be in serious trouble.
"No-one relishes having to do these things. We have had to look everywhere we can to make savings and, yes, Dave Oldfield is part of the cost cutting.
"It was a painful thing to have to let Dave go, because he is a likeable chap. But the fact is he is a luxury we cannot afford at the moment. We have a manager and we can't afford both him and an assistant."
The money troubles have come to a head as a result of a combination of factors, according to Hughes.
"Going out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle puts us in a worse position moneywise than we were 12 months ago and we are also suffering because of a lack of home games," added Hughes.
"Our Blue Square Premier game against Northwich next week is our only scheduled home match in seven weeks – the next one isn't until Boxing Day.
"Depending on the the draws yet to be made, we could be at home in the FA Trophy and the Setanta Shield. However, we can't rely on them.
"Even if we are at home, the gate money is split 50-50 and the Saturday before Christmas never produces decent attendances."
After Rangers fans vented their anger at the board of directors at last week's game with Droylsden, Hughes has called for a show of unity in the face of adversity.
"We are all in this together and we have to work together and manage with what we have. Phil Robinson carries on with the full backing of the board.
"We have to work together to try and get ourselves out of this mess. Our ambition at the moment is fifth from bottom."
Robinson's verdict on the austerity measures was: No comment.
Amid all the gloom, however, the Rangers boss was pleased to see one of his former proteges, Guy Madjo, secure a move to Coca Cola League One outfit Cheltenham.
Madjo, top scorer and Rangers' Player of the Season last year, will be on loan at Whaddon Road pending a permanent move in the transfer window.
"Everybody could see that he was going to be a really good player and I am hoping he will do well," said Robinson.
Unfortunately, it will be Crawley reaping the financial benefit of the transfer.
