Stafford debts paid by supporters

Supporters of Stafford Rangers have raised £50,000 to save the club from slipping into administration.

The money will pay off the club's debt to the company that supplies temporary seating to their Marston Road ground.

In an official statement, Stafford chairman John Downing said: "We are confident that we are about to enter into a new chapter in our history.

"The response has been unbelievable and we are fortunate at Stafford Rangers to have such tremendous support."

Fans were asked to donate £200 to the Blue Square North club £200 by joining the "250 Club", although they were aided when one supporter gave half of the £50,000 target figure.

Stafford have been in financial trouble since their relegation from the Blue Square Premier in 2008.

In December they were forced to relieve manager Steve Bull of his duties as a cost-cutting measure, while the squad were asked to take a cut in their wages.