Bouncing Burr makes swift return

3 May 2018 By David Watters

Steve Burr made the swiftest of returns to EVO-STIK League management on Thursday when he was named as the new manager of Stafford Rangers.

Burr was unveiled at a press conference at Martson Road at lunchtime, just five days after standing down as Stalybridge Celtic boss on the final Saturday of the Northern Premier League's 50th anniversary 2017-18 season.

The former Boro striker, who had two spells with the EVO-STIK Premier Division club in the 1980s and 1990s, will be assisted by Andy Fern after being installed as the successor to Neil Kitching following his resignation last weekend after four years at the helm.

England C's assistant manager and former Halifax Town, Hednesford Town, Macclesfield Town and Nuneaton Borough star Burr is well equipped to build on the foundations his predecessor put in having managed Chester, Hucknall Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Northwich Victoria, Nuneaton Borough, Southport and Stalybridge Celtic in two spells since hanging up his playing boots.

Unveiling: Steve Burr is introduced to the press and fans

The 58-year-old scored more than 50 goals for Rangers but told a press conference packed with fans that he knows his scoring record will count for nothing if he cannot produce the goods as a manager for season 2018-19.

Stafford Rangers chairman John Bromley is targeting promotion to the National League within 18 months and Burr said: "I have done press conferences before but this is the biggest one I've had, which just goes to show how big the club is.

"I am really looking forward to being given the opportunity now to manage the football club and hopefully get you back. It’s a club that’s always been very close to my heart and I’ve always looked out for the results.

“There’s some tough leagues around now and it will be a challenge to get us out of this division but I’ve always been up for a challenge. We all want the success. I know how much you want the success and I want the success as well. I know I’m not as young as I was but I’m still hungry as ever to succeed.

Coming home: Burr was a prolific striker in Rangers colours

“I know I was quite popular here as a player when I played in the two spells I had but that counts for nothing with what I do now as a manager for you. I can't promise but I will give it 100 per cent and hopefully have a successful time and build on what the other guys have left."

He added: "It's a massive club, we all know that, look at clubs I've been at and if we get things right on the pitch maybe we can add to the turnstiles get more of a budget and bring more players in.

"I really want to get a team together, and I am really looking forward to getting to know one or two faces new to the club as well as one or two old faces. It's been a great reception and would like to thank everyone here."

Images courtesy of southportvisiter.co.uk & @SRFCofficial/Twitter

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