Mutch moves on by 'mutual consent'

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Stafford Rangers are on the lookout for their third manager of the season after parting company with Andy Mutch on Thursday morning.

Mutch, pictured, left Marston Road by ‘mutual consent’ after the 5-2 home defeat by Rushall Olympic on New Year’s Day, their fifth reverse on the spin. The 49-year-old former Wolves striker took the reins as caretaker manager at the start of September following the departure of Greg Clowes before his permanent appointment in October.

Mutch’s departure was confirmed in a statement released at lunchtime following a meeting of the Rangers board. The Premier Division club have appointed President Jon Downing as their new Director of Football. A major shareholder and former Chairman with more than three decades of experience at the club, he will hold the fort while leading their hunt to install a new manager.

Second from bottom Rangers host Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday and Downing’s first task will be to take charge of team affairs for the crucial six pointer.