Bully's boys won't moan about trip
Stafford manager Steve Bull has told his players not to moan about the prospect of a near four-hour journey either side of 90 minutes at Workington tommorow - it is part and parcel of life in the Blue Square North.
Stafford manager Steve Bull has told his players not to moan about the prospect of a near four-hour journey either side of 90 minutes at Workington tommorow - it is part and parcel of life in the Blue Square North.
One of the most hellish trips of Rangers' fixture list - some 184 miles to Cumbria - comes on the second Saturday of the campaign (3pm), against Darren Edmondson's side, who finished 14th last term.
This being the second-tier of non-league football, you can forget a hotel room the night before and a leisurely trip to the Borough Park ground on Saturday afternoon.
No, it will be a coach from Stafford for the squad on the day of the game, 90 minutes of first-team action - and a hell of a long journey back if the result is anything other than three points.
Bull said: "Yeah, sometimes I don't understand this regional non-league pyramid. It is supposed to be a relatively local league and yet we face 184 miles to Workington!
"But we have just got to get on with it. I would rather have it out of the way now, rather than the last away game of the season. We may as well just brave the journey.
"That said, I will taking no excuses from the players for poor performances either. This is life in the Blue Square North. If you don't like it, earn the right to play a better level!"
The next two away trips take in a relatively short trip to Solihull to play Solihull Moors and then something even worse - 206 miles to Gateshead!
Bull joked: "I know I am always harping on about how I want the fans behind us, but I do understand if they don't make it to those two away games!
"Tell them to save their money for the next home game at Marston Road. I have also told the players if they don't like it, lets have back-to-back promotions and get into the Football League!"
Rangers have already undertaken one away trip this week, their first of the campaign, playing to a 1-1 draw at Vauxhall Motors on Tuesday night.
It was certainly a game of two halves, with Stafford leading for most of the game through a choice Tom Thorley free-kick, only for a lacklustre second-half performance to lead to conceding a late equaliser.
Bull said: "At the end of it, it was two points dropped rather than one won. We didn't pass, tackle or anything in the second half. I expect better.
"I know some people say that an away point is a point well-earned, but that is not my way. I want to win every game and my players do too."
Bully did have some words of praise for 18-year-old Tom Thorley, who is making a real impact in the right wing-back role, with two goals in the first two games since signing on loan from Stoke.
The manager said: "It was a superb goal from Tom and he looks to be a really good player. I have already extended his loan for two months, such is the impression he is making.
"At the moment, the agreement is suiting him, Stoke and us. If that continues, I would not rule out having him here for the season."
Stafford welcome back Andre Francis and Stuart Pierpoint for the trip.
