Belford to bid farewell to Stafford

Belford had been with the club for four years, acting as assistant manager until being appointed to the main job four months ago.

He will take charge of the game against Bootle this Saturday, if it goes ahead, in what will be his final game.

He said: “I always believed that we could turn the corner, but that currently is not the case. I am proud to have represented the club, but I am acting in what I believe are the best interests of the football club in stepping down now to give someone else the chance and time to ensure that the club stays in this division.

“I have given my all to the club whilst I have been here and am proud of our efforts and the work that both the players and backroom staff have put in. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support. It is with a heavy heart that I leave the Rangers, but I know that the decision is in the best interests of the club, myself, and my family.”

Stafford were relegated from the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season, and currently find themselves in the bottom four of the West Division, four points from safety.

A club statement added: “He has demonstrated a huge enthusiasm for the role and has done everything with a passion and determination to succeed that is admirable. We thank him hugely for all his efforts to turn around our fortunes and are incredibly sad to see him go.

“Dale has decided that he has currently taken the club as far as he can. Despite a gargantuan effort and commitment on his part the results and consistency on the field have not been able to be delivered.”