Stafford Rangers boss Steve Burr pleased El Staffico will survive
Boss Steve Burr is glad Stafford Rangers have a couple of clashes with fierce rivals Hednesford Town to look forward to this coming season.
El Staffico was in jeopardy when Rangers remained in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier, while Hednesford were moved to the new Southern league Central.
The Pitmen were put back in the Northern, though, after Shaw Lane folded – and the decision is final after having an appeal turned down.
Burr, who took charge at Boro earlier this summer and played for both teams, said: “It just gives fans something to look forward to – a proper local derby.
“That was taken away, initially, but it’s obviously a game we’ll all look forward to now.
“I have fond memories of playing for both teams, and these games can attract gates of more than 2,000.
“Without Hednesford, our nearest rivals would have been Nantwich Town and, with no disrespect, those games wouldn’t have brought in such crowds.”
Rangers have boosted their backline with the signing of former Kidderminster Harriers man Tom Marshall.
Burr added: “Tom’s a lad who I had at Kiddy.
“He knows what this league is about, and the leagues above. You want a solid spine, which I think we’re building.”
