Rangers boss learning trade
Stafford Rangers' caretaker boss Neil Grayson was this weekend getting a real taste of what it is like to be a football manager.
Stafford Rangers' caretaker boss Neil Grayson was this weekend getting a real taste of what it is like to be a football manager.
Up to today's FA Trophy clash with his old club Forest Green, the 43-year-old veteran had been an ever-present in the team.
But a booking at Burton on New Year's Day, his fifth of the season, meant he would be in the same position as most managers – watching from the touchline.
And while Grayson admitted to being "gutted" at missing a game against one of his former clubs, whose fans still regard him as a 'living legend', Grayson intended to make the most of the experience.
"Probably the most difficult thing we've found when both Kevin (Street) and me are on the pitch, is getting something sorted out, like a substitution, getting the ref's attention when we've got an injury, or a change of tactics," he said.
"I'm gutted that I won't be able to play, but I'll be able to take a look at things from sidelines for a change and may be see things from a different view.
"When Kevin and I first took on the job, the directors said just see how it goes. They seem to be quite pleased with the football we're playing, but we all know the results are not the best.
"The performances we've been putting in warrant more reward than we've been getting.
"Maybe if we were in mid table and not struggling down the bottom, we'd be getting some of the decisions that have gone against us recently and picking up results."
His colleague Street has also been on a learning curve during the past few weeks.
"We're not under any pressure from the directors and they have let us sign a few players we wanted.
"It's been a bit stressful worrying about whether we could put a team out with so many injured players and suspensions. It's a bit less stressful now."
While still very much concerned about the poor results, the caretakers have been delighted with the efforts of players brought into the team as a necessity.
Midfielder Ross Draper and defender Jemiah Richards have caught their eye.
They are also hoping that the return of Del Olaoye and the impending return of Marco Adaggio will provide further impetus and competition for places.
Midfielder Sami Mawene left Marston Road for Bury this week – with a pat on the back from the Blue Square Premier club.
The 23-year-old Frenchman signed a contract extension with Rangers after it expired on January 1, on an understanding he would be released from it if a League club stepped in.
Secretary and financial director Mike Hughes said: "Sami has been honest with us and we have been honest with him. He wants to further his career in the League and we understand that.
"We got more games from him than we expected and we wish him all the best for the future. At least he hasn't gone to one of our Blue Square Premier rivals."
