FA Cup

Stafford Rangers boss Graham Deakin’s day job inspires FA Cup dream

Graham Deakin helps vulnerable children turn their lives around while leading Stafford Rangers’ revival – and now he is chasing another FA Cup upset.

by
The Non-League Football Paper Team
11 October 2026

Scott Bakkor celebrates after his brace helped Stafford Rangers secure a famous FA Cup victory over Hereford.

By Andy Mitchell

Graham Deakin spends his life motivating people out of the worst of situations – now he is lighting the path back to former glories at Stafford Rangers.
By day, the Boro boss helps traumatised children, including those exposed to gun and knife crime or physical and sexual abuse, to access education.
On top of that, he is leading the revival of an ex-Conference club that was at risk of relegation to its lowest level since the late 60s when he became interim manager in January.
With a game to spare, Deakin managed to secure Step 4 safety, convincing a board featuring American...

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Stafford Rangers boss Graham Deakin’s day job inspires FA Cup dream

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