Exclusive: Former Birmingham City star wants Stafford Rangers job

Dale Belford announced he would be leaving the club after this Saturday’s Northern One West clash with Bootle following a poor run of results that have left Rangers five points from safety.

The Express & Star understands that Stockdale has approached the club to express his interest in the role. 

Stockdale joined Blyth Spartans as assistant manager to Nolberto Solano in August last year before becoming caretaker manager after Solano was sacked.

The 39-year-old was given the job permanently on September 13 and led Blyth to their only two Northern Premier League victories so far this season before being sacked himself in October after new owners stepped into the club.

Stockdale represented the likes of Fulham, Hull City, Birmingham City, Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday during his illustrious playing career, and was named in the 2016/17 PFA Championship Team of the Year as Brighton were promoted to the Premier League.

Leeds-based Stockdale used to travel more than two hours to Blyth and has told the Express & Star that travel won’t be an issue if he were to get the role at Stafford Rangers. He is looking to get back into management and prove what he can do.

Meanwhile, managers including former Walsall Wood boss Ian Long and former Rushall Olympic manager Adam Stevens are available, and former Hednesford Town manager Harry Harris has expressed an interest in the role.

Supporters are keen to see Neil Kitching return to the Rangers, however, he is currently in charge of Boldmere St Michaels. 

Boro fans packed inside the chairman’s suite at Stafford Rangers on Wednesday night for the highly-anticipated question and answer session with the board of directors.

Members of the board faced scrutiny from fans, and said the club has had a lot of “bad luck”. 

Director of football Andy Fearn said at the meeting: “We have got to a point where we have to support the manager, whoever the manager is, to stay in this division and get us back up to step three as quick as we can. It is not going to be this season obviously. But, I do believe the budget was mid-table.

“I would say for the budget that we have invested this season, we have underperformed.”

Joint-chairman John Hayne added: “I am going to everything in my power to keep Stafford Rangers up, everything. And, if it means a few bob, then it means money, and I am prepared to do that.”