New manager secures key men

Stamford's new manager David Staff has acted quickly to secure the services of Tom Batchelor, Sean Wright, Andy Hall and Jordan Hempenstall within days of replacing Wayne Hatswell at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club.

The players - all members of the successful squad who won promotion to the Premier Division under Hatswell's guidance via the First Division South play-offs before he left last week to join Football League new boys Newport County as a coach - have all agreed terms following Staff's promotion from assistant manager.

Striker Jordan Smith has also rejoined the Daniels following spells at Boston United and Ilkeston FC last season. Midfielder Danny Brooks has decided not to re-sign due to travelling commitments and has returned to another of his former clubs, Lincoln United.

Staff said: "I am delighted the players have agreed terms and keen to work with me facing the challenges of a very competitive league.

"I had a long conversation with Danny Brooks. We all remember his Chasetown free-kick and FC United of Manchester strike and will miss his consistency in midfield. I thank him on behalf of the club for his contribution whilst a Stamford player."