Dale Belford back in management with Rugby Town

FORMER Tamworth boss Dale Belford is back in management after taking the reins at Evo-Stik NPL Division One South club Rugby Town.

Belford replaces Gary Mills who quit last week after a tough start to the season which saw the club win just one of their opening seven league games.

A former Valley player, Belford left Tamworth almost a year to the day following just under 18 months in charge of the Lambs in the Conference Premier and then North.

The ex-Atherstone Town boss will be assisted by Steve Farmer, who also used to play for Rugby in the mid 2000s.

The pair’s first game in charge will be against high-flying Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday before a trip to Market Drayton Town next Tuesday. The Valley then face Lincoln United in the FA Cup second round qualifying next weekend.

Valley director Neil Melvin said: “Dale has great experience, and he will bring with him a good set of contacts and knowledge of the Non-League pyramid as a whole.

“We thank Gary for his efforts during his short time at the club, and wish him well in the future.

“He didn’t feel it was the right opportunity for him here anymore and that is disappointing, but it is better to establish that seven games into the season so we can make a fresh start with a new man in charge.

“The short term aim for Dale will of course be to steady the ship and hopefully guide us through the important FA Cup game next weekend.

“In the long term, we hope we can build a squad that can compete successfully in this division.”