Stafford Rangers bolster attacking line

Stafford Rangers added depth and fire power to their attack with the arrival of former Crewe Alexandra striker A Jay Leitch-Smith.

The 33-year-old brings lots of football league experience to Marston Road, having started his career at Cheshire club Crewe Alexandra where he found the next 19 times in 103 appearances, spells at Port Vale, Shrewsbury Town and Morecambe followed.

The 33 year old in action for Nantwich Town ( green), Photo credits- Nantwich Town

Smith’s career followed down the non-league pyramid before joining up with new Ranger’s boss Dave Cooke at Nantwich Town where he made just five appearances.

Stafford boss Dave Cooke, only joined the club on the 27th November, he acted quick and snapped of Leitch-Smith the day after making him Cooke’s first signing as manager of Stafford Rangers

Leitch made his Rangers debut as a second half sub in Cooke’s opening game, which ended 2-0 to Stafford over Atherton Collieries.

Cooke said he settled the tempo of the game down and knows Leitch-Smith will give quality to his new side.

Cooke said: “When he came on, he relaxed everything, he was unlucky with a couple of efforts.

“He’ll give quality, because he’s got a great football brain, obviously his football league experience will bring huge amounts to the team.”

The former Port Vale player already has experience of the physical Northern Premier League. Having played for Altrincham in the National League, Leitch – Smith made the short Journey’s to Warrington Rylands, and Hyde United, before joining bottom of the table Stafford.

The rangers forward was pleased to get back playing for Dave Cooke, having known the 64-year-old for a very long time.

Smith said: “I have known Dave for a long time, I’m good friends with his son, so it was good to get back in contact with him and join him here at Stafford.

“I spoke to him (Dave) on and off for a few days leading up to the move, he spoke to the manager at Nantwich, and we got the green light.”

The Rangers currently sit at the wrong end of the Northern Premier League, but A Jay knows the squad is good and he hopes he can help lift the Staffordshire club up the table.

He said: “It’s (Stafford) a good club, I have only ever heard good things, I looked at the team sheet and on paper it’s a really good team and it shouldn’t really be where they are.”

He added: “With Dave coming in and the players we have, hopefully me coming in can help the side start moving up the table, it’s a really intriguing challenge.”