Rod Woodward is Rangers chairman

Stafford Rangers have appointed Rod Woodward as their new chairman with his first stint in the role set to start on August 1.

Woodward and Reg Bates were the main contenders for the job - a position both have yet to occupy - from the current board of directors.

Mike Hughes is stepping down after two years and some 14 months after voicing his intention to quit as both chairman and club secretary.

The 65-year-old will retain his seat as a director with Roly Tonge and Cliff Went – in hospital with a strangulated hernia – also on the board.

Hughes handed over his secretarial duties to Robbie Mullin last summer and now Woodward will get the chance to drive the club forward.

The Stafford-born 60-year-old is etched into the town's folklore serving the people of Stafford through both football and boxing.

Woodward founded Stafford Town Amateur Boxing Club on 1 October 1980, which is still in operation as the Right Stuff ABC.

In the ring, Woodward fought professionally at heavyweight until his career – and so nearly his life – was cut short at just 26.

Cancer forced him to have two-thirds of his right lung removed but he lived to tell the tale and was nursed back to health.

Now, after five years as a club director, Woodward has the top job at the town's No 1 football club.

He said: "As many people will know, I have been involved at Stafford Rangers for some time now.

"It has been great to now be given the position of chairman at the club. I would like to take this opportunity in thanking Mike for his hard work.

"We know that we can still count on his support and vast knowledge to help us all at the club."

Rangers' pre-season friendly at Heath Hayes last night was called off, due to heavy rain that hit Staffordshire yesterday.

Woodward will be on hand tomorrow to greet home supporters as their new chairman, as the team host Kidderminster Harriers.

Harriers manager Steve Burr started his career at Marston Road in the early 1980s and Rangers boss Greg Clowes expects a rousing reception.

Clowes said: "I know the fans will welcome Steve back, he was a very good servant for Stafford Rangers and scored a lot of goals for the club.

"I am sure we will all give Mr Burr a very warm reception, including myself. I look up to anybody who has done such a good job."

Rangers are without striker Simon Everall, who is away on holiday for the next two games, but defender Luke George is back from his summer break.

Jimmy Turner will return at right-back as Clowes reverts to full strength to tackle a side two leagues above them in the non-league pyramid.

He said: "It's going to be a very tough game for us. If you play in the Conference, you have got quality written all over you.

"They are going to have that competitive edge and, every time you give the ball away, they are going to hurt you.

"We have got make sure that we compete and keep the ball as much as we can when we have got it.

"But we have got a good mix of lads who can put their foot in and lads who can pass the ball."