Stafford Rangers part ways with manager Neil Kitching as board appoints Graham Deakin

Update: This article was updated on 5th Jan - Graham Deakin appointed as manager. More info towards the end of the article

Stafford Rangers have confirmed that first team manager Neil Kitching has been released from his contract with immediate effect, by mutual consent.

Stafford Rangers Football Club

In a board statement published on January 4, 2026, the club said the decision was made after a board meeting on Saturday, January 3, with Kitching informed immediately after that meeting.

Why the club says the decision was made

The statement points to results and league position as the driving factors, with the board saying results “have not gone our way” and that the priority is to make changes “to ensure the club remains at step 4”.

Stafford Rangers Football Club

Stafford Rangers currently sit 17th in the 2025/26 table, on 23 points from 25 matches, with several clubs around them also on 23 points, underlining how tight the relegation picture is.

For context, “Step 4” refers to the non-league pyramid level covered by leagues such as the Northern Premier League structure.

League table as of 4th Jan 2026

Staff also departing

The club added that Kitching will leave alongside his staff Nick Amos and Ian Cooper, describing them as long-serving figures at Stafford Rangers across both their previous spell at the club and their return in 2025.

A sharp change from the club’s message days earlier

What stands out is the contrast with the club’s own end-of-year update.

In a “Festive Round-Up” post dated December 31, 2025, the club said they had met Kitching before Christmas, praised his “enthusiasm and determination,” and stated the club “continues to fully support him and the team.”

Just four days later, the board has now moved to replace him, stating the decision was taken in what it believes are the club’s best interests as it tries to protect its Step 4 status.

What happens next

The statement does not name an interim manager or confirm who will take charge next.

The club’s website lists the next fixture as a Walsall Senior Cup tie away at Coleshill Town on January 5, 2026 (7:45pm).

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Update Monday 5th January 2026:

Stafford Rangers have confirmed that Graham Deakin, known at the club as “Deakz”, has been appointed as manager for the remainder of the current season following the departure of Neil Kitching.

In a new board statement, the club said the decision was made quickly to maintain continuity, with Deakin tasked with galvanising the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures.

The board said Deakin’s existing connection with the club and players was a key factor, adding that the players have expressed confidence in the appointment and are committed to working hard to improve results.

The club also confirmed it would not be seeking external applicants, citing the limited timescale available.

Deakin is expected to appoint his own backroom staff, though he would have been supported at the now-cancelled fixture at Coleshill Town by Dan Cockerline and goalkeeper coach Scott Cooksey, who will remain with the club.

The statement adds that this is an interim update, with further announcements expected in due course.