Neil Kitching re-appointed as Stafford Rangers manager

Kitching has left his managerial role at Boldmere St Michaels to re-join Stafford who he will aim to lead to safety in the Northern One West.

The Rangers cut the gap to safety to two points on Saturday with a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Wythenshawe at Marston Road.

The club has been searching for a successor to Dale Belford after he resigned on January 9.

Supporters were keen for Kitching to make a return following his previous success at the club. 

Kitching left Stafford in 2018 after four years in charge during which he won the Evo-Stik First Division South and Staffordshire Senior Cup.

Nick Amos will be Kitching's assistant manager at the Rangers. 

The new Stafford boss said: "This is our football club and feels like it always has been. We are thrilled and excited to accept the challenge. We have unfinished business at the club and still have the fight, desire, and passion.

"In the short term the overwhelming objective is to retain our position in the league and get this squad performing to its potential. Stafford Rangers should not be in their current position, and everyone will do everything to change that. Every game will be a cup final, and I want everyone to now come together as we fight for the badge, the club, and the future.

"We believe that Stafford has a squad of talented players and more importantly for the club good people. We have an affinity with the fans and feel that we have the skill to develop a winning mentality on the field and bring everyone in the club together. Now let’s get at it." 

Kitching has become the Boro’s third manager this season, after both Belford and Dave Cooke have departed. 

A club statement read: “Stafford Rangers Football Club are delighted to announce that Neil Kitching and Nick Amos have been appointed First Team Manager and Assistant Manager.

"The announcement ends two weeks of speculation, and both will lead the team for the first time when we travel to Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday, February 1. On Thursday, January 30 Neil and Nick will take their first training session at the club.

"A great performance saw us get three vital points in yesterday’s home match with Wythenshawe FC. We thank Graham Deakin and staff immensely and congratulate him and the team on their win. Graham and his coaching team will manage the away fixture on Tuesday, January 28 at Runcorn Linnets. Neil Kitching is also delighted that Graham has agreed to stay on as part of his coaching staff going forward.

"The appointment of Kitching and Amos is the culmination of two weeks efforts by the club who advertised for the job determined that they would carry out a professional process to ensure that not only did we get someone with the right credentials but equally as important the best fit for Stafford Rangers going forward. A shortlist of candidates was finalised at the closing date for applications and interviews arranged at the earliest opportunity.

"The interviews were conducted by John Hayne, Andy Fearn, Carol Bailey, Mark Evans, David Montgomery and David Smith and the final decision to appoint Neil and Nick was unanimous. The club believes that the process was an honest and careful one and with the highest level of integrity and most importantly confidentiality.

"We all fervently believe that we can keep Rangers in this division, it is not an impossible task, but it is a difficult one, but we believe sincerely that we have the right people in to give us the best chance.

"Neil Kitching’s excitement is evident and palpable."

The Rangers have endured another difficult season so far after their relegation from the Northern Premier division (step three) last season. 

Their win over Wythenshawe was just their eighth so far during this campaign.

Joint-chairman, John Haynes previously told supporters at a question and answer session that he would do whatever it takes to keep the club at step four non-league football, even if it does cost extra cash. 

The Rangers visit Runcorn Linnets on Tuesday night before going to Kidsgrove Athletic next weekend. 

Kitching will return to the Marston Road dugout on February 8 when Stafford host Nantwich Town.