St Francis Rangers F.C. - History

History

St Francis Rangers were established in 2002 after a merger between Ansty Rangers and St Francis They are currently members of the Sussex County League Division One.

The club achieved senior status, after gaining promotion from Sussex County League Division Three in 2004. They consolidated their position as the most senior team in Haywards Heath and finished in the promotion places at the end of the 2005–06 season. However the club were prevented from taking their place in the top division in Sussex because the floodlights were not erected in time. Twelve months later, Danny Bryan guided Rangers to second place and that time they were rightfully promoted to Division One.

Since their promotion to the top flight, the club has continued to develop. The 2008–2009 season saw Rangers enter the FA Vase for the very first time and in 2009 the club made its debut in FA Cup.

In 2008 the reserve team won their league and as a result are now part of the Sussex Reserve Premier Division. Added to the success of the senior sides, Rangers have also now established a Youth Team.

Danny Bryan and Chris Jones stepped down at the end of the 2008/09 Season. Roy Staughton stepped up from Reserve team manager and was appointed first team manager for the start of the 2009/10 campaign. The 2009/10 campaign saw Rangers finish 16th in the table.

After an indifferent start to the 2010–11 campaign, which saw Rangers win the first game of the season and lose all but one (a draw versus Wick) of the following eight games, Roy Staughton was dismissed as first team manager.

Paul Williams was appointed interim first-team coach until a permanent replacement could be found.

Just over a month later, Kieran Collins was appointed, making the switch from Whitehawk U21s. Following two seasons of survival from relegation (due to reprieves with other clubs ground grading) in Sussex County League Division One, Collins and his assistant, Lee Saunders resigned in late October 2012.

Days later, the St Francis Rangers Board appointed former Brighton & Hove Albion and current player, Geoff Pitcher as First Team Manager. Pitcher promoted Glenn Charker as his Assistant Manager whilst retaining John Foley as Coach and Jerry Gurr as Club Physio.

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