Graham Heathcote tops Rangers list

Graham Heathcote today moved into pole position to become the new manager of Stafford Rangers after admitting his interest in the job.

The 56-year-old forms a race that includes former AFC Telford and Hednesford boss Bernard McNally, along with Bridgnorth's management team of Lee Mills and Tony Dinning.

But Dean Edwards, a former Rangers player, will not be applying for the job.

However, Heathcote has refused to rule himself out and wants a quick return to the game after being sacked by Blue Square Premier club Altrincham last month.

His experience would appeal to the Marston Road board nearly eight years at Moss Lane as manager and he also counts former Rangers chairman Jon Downing, still a director at the club, as a personal friend.

The board are due to meet at tonight's monthly general meeting to discuss who will replace Chris Brindley, who quit on Tuesday, and Heathcote is happy to be a name under consideration.

He said: "I hope to get back into management as quickly as possible, but it's about finding the right club.

"I would certainly be interested in going somewhere with a history and a desire to get back where that has took them in the past.

"Stafford Rangers would certainly get my due consideration, that's for sure."

Heathcote was even at Marston Road for Rangers' last home game, when they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Eastwood, which spelled the beginning of the end for Brindley.

But the free agent denies he was being lined up to be the Blue Square North's club new manager while the old boss was still in charge.

He said: "I have probably seen 12 games in the last three weeks, what I am trying to do is take in the levels of non-league football that I haven't been involved in for some years.

"I was watching Eccleshall the other night, doesn't mean I am going to be their next manager!"

Former Wolves duo Mills and Dinning, who have been in charge of Midland Alliance club Bridgnorth since the summer, are also interested in taking over.

Dinning played for Rangers under Brindley last season and lives in Stafford, with both possessing name value after starring in the Football League during their playing careers.

But former Hednesford and Willenhall boss Edwards is unlikely to return to the area and take charge at Marston Road, having settled into a job as commercial manager at Torquay United.

He said: "Stafford Rangers are a big club and one that I would love to take the reins of, but I am settled here at the moment.

"My daughters are down here, I am settled with my partner and it would have to be a really good package to draw me away."