Northern Premier League outfit Stafford Rangers has unveiled its new first team manager.
The Staffordshire outfit revealed that it has appointed Jody Banim as the club’s new boss with “Boro favourite” Matt Hill to step into the role of assistant first team manager.
The former Ashton United boss replaces joint-managers Alex Meechan, who exited the club in April, and Andy Fearn who moved up to the board of directors soon afterwards.
This came after the Premier Division side were rock bottom of the table after picking up 23 points from 33 league games, winning just four times, before the 2019/20 season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Upon his arrival, Banim said: “Stafford Rangers are a massive football club and our objective is clear. We want and will bring back the glory days and we are proud to be part of the Boro.
“We have seen, during lockdown, the passion and the enthusiasm that fans have shown in supporting so magnificently the ‘Stand Together’ campaign and we want to be part of it.
“No matter what budget you have I learned that the balance of the squad has to be right, but it’s a results business and you have to accept that.”
Fearn added: “Jody impressed us from the start with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game, at our level and above. We believe he is the right man at the right time.
“He has demonstrated in his management career an ability to rise to challenges and we welcome him on our journey.”
42-year-old Banim was part of the 1995/96 Manchester United under-18s squad during his playing days, going on to feature for the likes of Shrewsbury Town, Burton Albion and US team Real Maryland FC.
While in his role as Ashton boss, he led the Robins to the National league North in 2018.
It was during his tenure at the club that he first met Matt Hill when the defender was still in his playing days.
After three seasons with Ashton, Banim left the club by mutual consent in November 2019, by which time Hill had left for Stafford Rangers in the January of that year.
A spokesperson for Stafford Rangers said: “The two have already established a good working relationship and an appetite to play exciting winning football.
“Hill is well respected in the dressing room as well as outside it and holds substantial coaching experience. He knows the club well and has the respect of players and fans. He has played at every level of football and his transition from player into management looks a great fit alongside manager Jody Banim.”
Andy Fearn continued: “We are delighted with the appointments of both Jody and Matt. So many people have worked very hard to make sure we are still here and I ask fans to come together now, get behind the new management team and look forward to an exciting journey together.”
Click to follow Sport in Staffs for all our latest articles on:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
WE HAVE MOVED! 