Harry Harris and James Kinsey interviewed for Stafford Rangers job

The Express and Star understands that both have been interviewed this week and are in contention to fill the vacant managerial position that was left by Dale Belford’s departure. 

Belford resigned on January 9 following a poor run of results. The Rangers sit rooted inside the Northern One West relegation zone and face, possibly, successive relegations.

There is also speculation that Neil Kitching is in the running for the job, and could make a remarkable return to the club. Kitching left Stafford in 2018 after four years in charge during which he won the Evo-Stick First Division South and Staffordshire Senior Cup. 

Meanwhile, both Ian Long and former Birmingham City goalkeeper David Stockdale expressed interest in the job, but have been unsuccessful with their applications. 

Long led Walsall Wood to the top of the Northern One Midlands division earlier this season before the club resigned from the league.

He says he was told by the Rangers that he did not have enough experience in the Northern Premier League divisions, despite having previously led Alvechurch to promotion in the formerly named Evo-Stick Northern Premier South division, and having enjoyed his short stint at the Wood.

“I was contacted by Stafford informing me that I had been unsuccessful, and thanking me for my CV and application, but informing me that I didn’t have enough experience in the Northern Premier leagues, which I can understand. 

“But, it was difficult to gain experience in the league after getting promoted from the Northern One South in my first season whilst as manager of Alvechurch.”

It is understood that Harry Harris has been interviewed for the position. 

Harris led Walsall Wood to step four non-league football, winning the Midland Premier League, before taking the reins at Hednesford Town last season.

He was then axed after Craig and Amanda Gwilt purchased the Pitmen. 

Elsewhere, former Stalybridge Celtic manager James Kinsey is also believed to have been interviewed.

On January 8, Kinsey resigned as manager of Wythenshawe FC after just one game in charge. 

A social media post by Kinsey said: “When I had interviewed for the position and accepted the position, there were things that I was unaware of that have now come to light.”

Kinsey was sacked earlier this season by Stalybridge Celtic, despite them sitting fourth in the Northern One West. He arrived at Celtic after five years at Wythenshawe Town.

Interim manager Graham Deakin will take charge of the Rangers this weekend for their crucial relegation six pointer against Wythenshawe. An announcement on their new boss is expected next week.