WE HAVE MOVED!

Meet the former Miss Stafford Rangers lady now fighting Covid-19 on the frontline

If you are looking for an avid Stafford Rangers fan, then Dianne Jones is your woman. Helping out at the Northern Premier League side since 1972, it is fair to say she is Boro through and through.

Now, while she was unable to serve club fans and members in hospitality on matchdays for the remainder of the season due to its cancellation amid the outbreak, Dianne is battling coronavirus in her day job as a frontline NHS nurse.

Dianne was one of the supporting staff from County Hospital in Stafford who were sent over to the Royal Stoke University Hospital to provide support wherever they needed it in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have worked a total of 41 years in the NHS as a Phlebotomist nurse and Clinical Nursing assistant,” she told Sport in Staffs.

“I love my job, I’ve met so many wonderful patients throughout my time at County Hospital and Royal Stoke Hospital and worked with some amazing colleagues.

“It has been a tough time recently with Covid-19 as my unit was redeployed to Royal Stoke. It was a very scary, apprehensive time for all patients and staff. We have cried on bad days, laughed on good days but each and every day we have supported each other throughout all this pandemic.”

Dianne, who also works as part of the club’s bar staff team for weddings and function nights, shared her history with Stafford Rangers and the passion she has for the Staffordshire outfit.

Dianne was voted Miss Stafford Rangers in 1981

“I started voluntary work at the Rangers around 1972 selling programmes and ‘golden goal’ tickets; then helped in the canteen serving food and drink. I moved into the directors room under the stand to help behind the bar and I have been there ever since but I now work in the new Chairman’s suite.

“I have always been passionate about Stafford Rangers from when I first started watching them with my dad Jack. We used to travel to all the games home and away and I went to all three Wembley appearances in the 1970’s, watching them through all the good and bad times.

“In 1981, I was crowned Miss Stafford Rangers in the ‘queen of clubs’ competition held every year – it was my dad who persuaded me to enter. I always said to my dad that if I ever win some money I’m going to buy Stafford Rangers FC!”

Like all football fans, Dianne is longing to see the game return again and is looking forward to the start of the 2020/21 campaign, whenever that may be.

“I have missed watching the football so much, we all have a great time at Rangers,” she continued.

“We are a friendly lot – from the chairman, manager, players, and staff – all have time to stop and chat to each other. I’m so looking forward to the new season with a new manager – at this point we are still waiting to find out who it will be!

“I miss my hospitality work too we have regular emails from away teams and sponsors saying what a great day they had and how wonderful the hospitality was. We have a good team of bar staff too.”

Dianne says she is looking forward to next season already

For the time being, Dianne will continue to heroically combat the coronavirus and help save lives. She explained that she has taken away some positivity from the situation despite going through a hard period of life.

“I’m lucky, I have my husband and son at home but I miss my two brothers and five sisters. I lost my beautiful eldest sister, number six, just before Christmas and at the same time another of my sisters was struggling with breast cancer so it’s been a few tough months to be fair.

“The one thing I will take away from this is to treasure the time spent with your family and make lots of memories because you just don’t know do you?”

Dianne revealed she has some very exciting news in the not-too-far distant future.

“I plan to retire on September 30 just after my 59th birthday,” she stated.

“But I will be going back to work in pre-surgical assessment unit for two days – you can take the girl from the NHS but you cant take the NHS from the girl!”

Stafford Rangers Football Club told Sport in Staffs how much everyone at the club values her, stating: “Di is an integral part of the team of people that make the club tick.

“She is a warm, big-hearted person and exemplifies community not only in what she does on a full-time basis but also with the loyalty and involvement at the football club.”

There will be another ‘Clap for Carers’ for health professionals like Dianne and her colleagues, tomorrow evening (Thursday) at 8pm.

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Health screening required for race-goers ahead of planned return on June 1

Horseracing personnel will have to undergo “pre-entry health screening” before being allowed into a racecourse as the sport gears up to its planned return behind closed doors on June 1.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has said that this screening will likely consist of a pre-attendance questionnaire which must be completed “no more frequently” than every seven days with attendees also required to have screening upon arrival at a racecourse.

Furthermore, all who will be visiting a racecourse for these behind closed doors races are required to complete a mandatory ‘Covid-19 Information for Participants of the Racing Industry’ online education module, which can be found here.

The sports body said: “Those who have not completed, or who do not pass, the necessary screening will be refused entry to the racecourse.

“The exact health screening process is still in development and will be communicated to the industry as soon as it has been finalised. Please be assured that this will be shared in good time to ensure industry participants understand the requirements.”

More news on the return of racing is expected next week

Flat racing is the first form to be introduced back at racecourses with jump racing expected to return at a later date, but not before July 1.

Staffordshire venue Uttoxeter Racecourse has not yet released any official statement regarding the possibility re-opening since it announced last mont that several fixtures at the ground would not take place this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

For courses that are making a return, a 72-hour declaration will be in place for all races from June 1 until further notice.

The BHA says it plans to publish British racing’s protocols for racing behind closed doors no later than Tuesday, May 26.

The document will be aimed at “everyone attending race meetings, and their employers, who will all need to be aware of and ensure compliance with the new and revised protocols.”

In the meantime, trainers are asked to update and re-check their employee records as well as upload their horse vaccination records to the ‘Weatherbys Vaccination App’.

The BHA says social distancing measures put in place by the Government must be adhered to at all times.

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Stoke City Women raise £4,500 for the NHS through extraordinary fundraiser

Stoke City Women has raised £4,500 of the NHS as it battles coronavirus – smashing their original fundraising target four-fold.

The club’s three senior teams and youngsters (along with their families) who attend the Regional Training Centres set out to collectively run or walk 2,000 miles in just seven days from May 4 to May 10 to raise money for the University Hospitals of North Midlands Charity (UHNM).

Once miles-covered were totalled and donations were counted up, all-in-all the club ended up completing 3,230 miles and raising £4,500.

Stoke City Women Head Coach Chloe Jones explained how “overwhelmed” she was by the feat.

She said: “What a week it was. I think everyone shared the aches and pains but what we also shared were our updates, motivation, support and the agreement of how much we all want to support our NHS.

Donations are still being taken so the total figure could stretch beyond £4,500

“We wanted to raise as much as we could for the NHS and by doing something physical, it was a great way to stay fit and healthy.

“We are involved in a team sport and so we wanted to do something that enabled us to continue working as a team to achieve something together.

“I knew that the players, staff and families would be up for it when I put the idea to them but I have honestly been so overwhelmed by their levels of commitment and dedication. It has made me even more proud of being a part of this wonderful club and it proves that by working together, you can achieve anything.

“The level of support, both financially through the donations and also lovely motivational words has been incredible and has really spurred us on. Our club have come together but the entire community have joined us. It has been utterly fantastic.

The club recorded over 1,000 miles more than their initial target

“Our target was to raise £1,000 and we thought that would be a huge task but I think we raised that in the first two days. We cannot thank everyone enough for donating, especially in these uncertain times.

“You are who made this challenge doable and one that we have all thoroughly enjoyed.”

Steve Rushton, Charity Manager at the University Hospitals of North Midlands, stated: “I am absolutely delighted Stoke City Women and Girls have chosen to fundraise for UHNM Charity.

“They really have gone above and beyond working as a team to raise such a fabulous total, especially during these extremely difficult and challenging times.”

Donations are still being taken for the challenge, so the club’s total figure may still yet rise further.

To donate, click here and quote ‘Stoke City Women and Girls 2,000 Miles for the NHS’ in the message box to ensure money is distributed to the right cause.

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‘We are still closed’ – Staffordshire cricket clubs give update after latest ECB statement

Numerous cricket clubs in Staffordshire have said their facilities will remain closed, reacting to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) latest statement that authorised outfits to open nets and pitches once again.

The ECB stated on Friday that, provided social distancing rules are adhered to, nets and pitches could open once again before laying out advice on what should and should not be done in order to maintain safety from coronavirus.

The statement also went on to say: “No club should re-open their outdoor facilities if they feel unable to meet the requirements.”

Thereafter, many clubs in the county issued statements which outlined that they would not be re-opening for such reasons.

Barlaston Cricket Club said: “In light of the ECB releasing guidelines about the return of cricket, we have urgently reviewed what we can provide our members.

“Unfortunately, we do not have the means to satisfy several criteria, so will remain closed for practice.

It could be a long time until we see scenes like this again on a cricket field

“We will notify you of any changes as soon as they are decided. Many thanks for your co-operation.”

Tamworth Cricket Club concurred, stating: “Following the ECB guidance released – the ground, clubhouse and net facilities will remain closed until we are able to ensure that it is safe to do otherwise.

“We are working hard to provide a route back, but the safety of our members remains our top priority.”

Eccleshall Cricket Club on Friday said: “A friendly reminder that despite the ECB today releasing guidance to allow cricket clubs to re-open practice facilities, we will continue to be closed until we are able put into place measures to abide by these guidelines.

“We hope to be able to change this next week.”

Porthill Park CC stated: “Following the guidance published by the ECB this afternoon we are currently reviewing to understand how and if this can be implemented at the club.

“The club will release further details once the options have been considered, thanks for your understanding and patience.”

The ECB has aid pitches and nets can reopen – but only if social distancing measures can be met

A spokesperson for Longton Cricket Club said: “Following the release of new ECB guidelines Longton CC would like to inform all members that the facilities remain closed and should not be used until further notice. We can assure you that discussions are taking place for the best way to proceed.”

However, some clubs have decided to re-open its facilities adhering to Government and ECB advice.

One of them, Cheadle Cricket Club, said on Sunday: “Following the announcement on Friday that practice can now take place please follow the link to book your place, but please look at the additional practice rules.”

Uttoxeter Cricket Club also said: “Following the release of the guidelines from the England and Wales Cricket Board, we are now in a position to offer training slots for our members.”

The ECB asks those who would like to use these cricket facilities to check with their club if they are available for use and if so, book a time slot before making a trip to the venue.

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Burton RFC announce first two summer signings

Burton Rugby Club has unveiled its first two signings of the off-season ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

First through the door is Sam Harcourt (pictured right) who joins from Midlands Premier rivals Broadstreet.

The hooker, who has played at National 2 level, officially becomes the club’s first signing since its move from home-of-110-years Peel Croft.

Second rower Llyr Griffiths has also signed for Burton ahead of the new season, arriving from Stourbridge.

Harcourt becomes Burton’s first player singing since the club’s move from Peel Croft

The British Police rugby team player, where he was captain, also brings a wealth of National 2 experience.

He featured for Nuneaton Rugby Club for nine years before the move to Stourbridge in August 2017.

Last campaign he made 18 appearances for the West Midlands side, winning nine times, helping the the club to 7^th in National 2 North before the season ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Burton said it was “delighted” and “thrilled” to welcome the pair into its set-up.

Elsewhere within the club, members and supporters have now managed to raise more than £12,000 for through The 2.6 Challenge, which ends on Thursday.

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Stafford Town unveil backroom staff for 2020/21 season

Midland Football League club Stafford Town has revealed who will be joining its new managers in the dugout for 2020/21 Division 1 campaign.

The Reds welcomed joint first team bosses Steve Barrow and Dom Heath to Evans Park last month succeeding former manager Jake Robinson.

The club has brought in UEFA A badge-holder Darren Middleton as a first coach with Barrow commenting: “Darrens appointment is such a significant part of the environment and structure we are looking to create.

“Extremely excited to learn from his experience and players looking to improve their game should (be) buzzing too.”

Next through the door is Jordan Chapman who will be joining Town as its Physical Performance Coach.

Club supporters are hoping next season will look a lot different to the last one

Finally, the club unveiled Jake Scott as the team’s Goalkeeper Coach to “complete the new management team.”

Stafford Town went on to confirm that Derris Ewers would remain at the club with Calvin Bailey staying as a first team coach.

Nicki Leighton also will be the club’s physio for another season while Dave Howard carries on in his role as match day secretary.

The backroom revamp comes after Stafford Town were sitting bottom of MFL Division 1 after picking up 16 points from 30 league games when the 2019/20 non-league season was declared void amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Longton CC cricketer runs back-to-back marathons for Smash The Tash campaign

A Longton Cricket Club all-rounder has completed back-to-back marathons in the space of two days to help fundraise for a popular Staffordshire sporting initiative that is raising money for the NHS in its fight against the coronavirus.

Luke Woodward from Trentham Lakes decided he would run to every North Staffordshire & South Cheshire Premier League (NSSC) Premier Division cricket club for fundraising scheme Cricketers Against Covid-19: Smash The Tash which invites lovers of the sport to grow facial hair for the National Health Service.

Endless amounts of people have gone above and beyond this, with many taking on gruelling exercise efforts to raise money for cause, which now has brought in over £18,000.

Luke is the latest cricketer to complete an incredible feat after running a total of 54.8 miles across Saturday and Sunday (May 16 & 17) to all 12 NSSC Premier Division club grounds in aid of raising money for the cause, starting and finishing at Longton Cricket Club.

“It’s something I’ll never forget, the amount of support I’ve had from when I organised it two weeks ago has been great,” he told Sport in Staffs.

“The support has been brilliant, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without it.”

Although he said he was “a little sore” following the weekend runs, Luke said he was “feeling good” and admitted: “I’ve been thinking about it since, and I can’t believe what I’ve done!”

In total, Luke covered 54 miles in just 48 hours

The 27-year-old, who had been training for the Manchester Marathon in April before it was cancelled due to Covid-19, explained how the idea of visiting each ground on foot came about.

“I saw that everyone had been doing their own challenges for Smash The Tash and thought of the idea when I was decorating my bedroom,” he said.

“I sat down and had a look of how far it was to each ground and what kind of route I would take and it came to around 54 miles. I spoke to Longton’s first team captain Eddie Jones about it and doing it back-to-back for more of a challenge. He agreed and we both had a look at the route.”

Luke went to to say that he covered a full marathon on the first day, running 26.2 miles all the way to Stone Cricket Club, clocking a time of 3 hours 52 minutes before running more further the next day and covering 28.6 miles in 4 hours 32 minutes.

Luke continued: “I felt fine on day one, there was no real struggle, I took it nice and steady. On the second day, local runner Simon Ford – who runs for the City of Stoke – met me at Whitmore and ran with me for the ten miles he planned to.

“We got all the way to Porthill Cricket Club and said he’d do the rest of the way with me. I could not have done it without him.”

This is not the first time Luke has shown his steely determination for charity, running the London Marathon in 2018 for a cancer charity despite only having two weeks of proper training after picking up a knee tendon injury just months before the race meaning he was not able to run for 10 weeks.

Luke stopped briefly to have a photo taken at every ground he went to

That time, he managed to raise more than £3,000 for the charity and now he has already raised nearly £2,000 for the Smash The Tash campaign following his weekend feat.

“Smash The Tash has been dead supportive,” Luke stated. “I wanted to represent my club and thought this was the best way I can do it for everyone.

“We’re in difficult times and we are not going to be playing cricket any time soon. Smash The Tash is a great thing for people to be doing and has got the whole cricket community together and working with each other.

“It’s not just cricket too, everybody from outside and around the area are raising money for the frontline of the NHS and so this is just a way of saying thank you and giving them a helping hand.”

Luke said he was very thankful for the support he has had throughout his fundraiser.

“I’d like to thank the guys at Smash The Tash, the guys at Longton Cricket Club, my girlfriend Alex Aicken, Simon Ford, my family, my friends and everybody who has supported me.”

Longton Cricket Club told Sport in Staffs: “Everyone at Longton Cricket Club are very proud of what Luke has managed to achieve this weekend. We were in no doubt that he could do it.

“He really is one of life’s good guys and all the praise that he is receiving is more than justified. We are sure his actions will inspire others to do something amazing whilst they may have a little more time on their hands.

“He has put his body through a massive challenge and for him to raise money for the NHS I’m sure he will think it’s been worth it. Now we need him well rested in time for if we do get the chance and play some cricket this summer. Once again from all at LCC, well done Luke.”

The Smash The Tash campaign has now raised more than £18,000 for the NHS

David Fairbanks, who with Craig Barker and David Edwards set up the Smash The Tash initiative, told Sport in Staffs: “The weekend was all about ‘The Running Man’ – Luke Woodward.

“Running one marathon is an achievement in itself but doing two in two days is just ridiculous. The support he’s had and superlatives to describe his efforts have been have been off the scale.

“He’s inspired more people and cricket clubs to start their own #smashthetash initiative which is what we want to to encourage. Our intentions from day one have always been to help in anyway we can.

“Whether it’s doctors or nurses, families, cricketers ,everyone really. Woody efforts definitely raised eyebrows outside of cricket that’s for sure. He’s an absolute credit to himself. We are all immensely proud of him and it’s something to remember in years to follow.”

To donate to Smash The Tash, click here.

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Manager Clough exits Burton Albion

Burton Albion has announced that Nigel Cough has stepped down as Brewers boss with Jake Buxton stepping up to succeed him and become player-manager.

Assistant manager Gary Crosby and Chief Scout Simon Clough also leave their positions at the League One outfit.

Nigel Clough started his second spell with the Brewers in 2015, guiding the club to the Championship.

His first spell lasted between 1998 and 2009, and which most notably included a goalless FA Cup draw against a Manchester United side who brought on Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney as second half substitutes.

He also won the Northern Premier League Premier Division in 2001–02, the 1999/2000 Southern League Cup, the Southern League Championship Shield in 2000 and seven Bass Charity Vases between 2002 and 2008.

Buxton joined Burton in the 2008/09 campaign when the Brewers won promotion to the Football League.

The defender then moved to Derby County with Clough in 2009 and made over 140 appearances for The Rams before returning to the Pirelli Stadium in 2017 via a stop a Wigan Athletic.

Clough had two successful spells with the Brewers

Speaking about the news, Clough said: “It has been an incredible two decades for Burton Albion and it has been a pleasure to share those times with everyone and I want to say a big thank you to all the players, coaches, staff and supporters for being a massive part of that.

“From winning the Unibond, to gaining promotion to the Championship and then against all the odds surviving for another year was beyond all our wildest dreams. It’s with great sadness that Gary, Simon and I have decided to step away. We are now looking forward to our next challenge in football wherever and whenever that is.

“We couldn’t leave the club in better hands than with Jake, who as captain has shown himself to be a respected leader on and off the pitch. It’s a great opportunity for him and there is no better club at which to make your start in management.”

Buxton stated: “I want to thank the Chairman (Ben Robinson) for giving me this tremendous opportunity. It’s an immense honour to follow in the footsteps of Nigel Clough who has achieved so much in the game, especially here at Burton Albion, and who has helped me progress throughout my career.

Like Clough did, Buxton enters the management game as a player-manager

“I hope that I can now help bring more memorable moments to Burton Albion in the seasons to come.”

Brewers chairman Ben Robinson added: “Nigel Clough has achieved phenomenal success with the club during two spells going back 22 years. During this time, the club has enjoyed the greatest period in its history including two years in the Championship, which for a club of our stature is a remarkable achievement.

“Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic is having a dramatic impact on all football clubs, meaning we have to make difficult financial decisions going forward in order to safeguard the club and ensure it still exists for the supporters and the benefit of the community for generations to come.

“It’s therefore with a heavy heart that after talks with Nigel, Gary and Simon we have agreed that their departure will help us meet these challenges. I want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication over their long association with the club.

“Jake Buxton is the natural choice to take over as player/manager as he knows the club inside and out. He continues our long tradition of giving young managers an opportunity and I’m sure he will go on to be as successful as he has been on the field.”

Clough will step away from the manager’s position in the coming weeks before Buxton takes over once his current contract expires.

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Port Vale announce list of released players

Port Vale has announced which players have been released from the club, which are out of contract but will be offered a new deal, and which personnel will remain in contract.

Will Atkinson, Callum Evans, Keiran Kennedy, Ryan Lloyd, Johnny Maddison and Jordan Macfarlane-Archer have all been let go by the League Two side.

Among those who are out of contract but have been offered a new one are: David Amoo (who scored five goals and assisted three this season); Rhys Browne; Shaun Brisley; Cristian Montano; Tom Conlon; Mark Cullen; and Nathan Smith.

Meanwhile, Scott Brown, Scott Burgess, Ryan Campbell-Gordon, Adam Crookes, James Gibbons, Alex Hurst, club captain Leon Legge, Manny Oyeleke, star striker Tom Pope, Dan Trickett-Smith and David Worrall all remain in contract.

The EFL announced that the 2019/20 League Two season was cancelled last week

The club also revealed that Luke Joyce has signed a new deal, with a spokesperson for the club stating: “We are delighted to announce that Luke has confirmed that he will be taking up his option and staying with the club.”

Jake Taylor and Mitch Clark return to Nottingham Forest and Leicester City, respectively, after their loan spells at Vale Park coming to and end.

The spokesperson for Port Vale continued: “The Manager and all involved with Port Vale Football Club would like to thank our departing players for their contributions to our successful 2019/20 season.”

This news comes after the EFL announced that all 24 League Two clubs had agreed to end the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Stafford Rugby Club raises over £3,000 for five charities

Stafford Rugby Club has smashed its charity fundraising target by nearly £1,000 after its club captain completed a full marathon as part of The 2.6 Challenge.

The 2.6 Challenge invites people to take part in an activity that incorporates the number 26 or 2.6 – such as 26 press-ups or jogging 2.6 miles – as a way of raising money for charity following the cancellation of the London Marathon amidst Covid-19.

Stafford launched its campaign last month, asking members and supporters to take part in the fundraising effort, setting a goal of £2,600.

The Midlands West 2 outfit said that if it reached that figure, club captain Tom Williams would run a marathon – and it did.

Following the completion of his marathon, as of Monday afternoon (May 18), a total of £3,482.75 had been donated to the cause.

Club captain Tom Williams said Stafford Rugby Club is full of “selfless people”

The money will be split between five charities; The Katherine House Hospice, The Midlands Air Ambulance, Cancer Research UK, The RFU Injured Players Foundation, and the NSPCC.

Tom spoke to Sport in Staffs about the club’s achievement and how the marathon went.

“The marathon was great for the first half and up to about 22 miles,” he said.

“After this, I struggled immensely – I suppose that is what you get from not training and doing it on a whim of charity! I was spurred on by some great support from the club, family and some very keen work colleagues, one of which (Alex Curtis) ran 18 miles with me!”

Tom praised the club for the amount it had managed to raise.

“Stafford Rugby Club is full of selfless people who constantly volunteer and give their time and effort to help others. This is just another example of when the club comes together to help support local and national charities in this particularly tough time.

“That and they wanted to see me suffer!” he joked.

The club pulled together and achieved 133% of its initial target

The club captain wanted to thank those who had supported him and the club’s fundraising efforts.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has donated, but a massive thanks to those who went that little bit extra and did a 2.6 challenge and donated as well.

“These people know who they are! Overall, a fantastic achievement by our amazing club. This adds to the impressive fundraising and volunteering history that we have! Well done all!”

The fundraising page is still open with people still able to donate to the cause up until the end of May.

To visit and donate to the page, click here.

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