Bully enjoys first taste of job

Steve Bull ended his first day in management barely able to speak but voicing fresh determination for Stafford Rangers' survival fight.

Bull watched his new team make it seven points out of nine with a hard-fought goalless draw at Halifax on Saturday which chipped away at Rangers' deficit behind Northwich in the relegation-threatened quartet at the foot of the Blue Square Premier.

The Wolves goalscoring legend is back in the hot seat for tomorrow night's trip to Histon, demanding another gruelling effort from his new charges.

Bull intended taking a back seat on Saturday and watching Rangers from the stand – but he was on the touchline after two minutes and screamed himself hoarse.

"I couldn't stand it – I didn't like how we started the game and I wanted to try to help," said Bull.

"I thought our work rate was poor and we were not sharp enough and I screamed myself hoarse and can still hardly speak today.

"It was a strange experience for the lads because they have not had anyone on the touchline for a while doing that.

"And it was a new experience for me and one that I enjoyed – it was good to be involved again.

"The lads picked their game up and got a very good point. I've told them that's how it's got to be until the end of the season.

"Obviously we're thinking about next year as well but for now we are going to give it everything to get out of this mess if we can.

"If somebody had said three games ago we'd get seven points out of nine you would have been well happy.

"The lads are digging in deep. It's going to be a battle. Everywhere we go it is going to be a battle."

Bull has 'put out the feelers' for new recruits and believes he saw enough from "four or five players" on Saturday to believe they can play at a higher level.

But although midfielder Kevin Street could have pinched victory with a late effort, he was concerned at the lack of goal threat his side carried.

"I've got to get these strikers hungry," he said.

Bull, who highlighted the need for a coaching assistant, plans to watch the Histon match before taking his first training session on Thursday.