NON-LEAGUE: Deeping and Stamford matches off, Drury set for a longer stay with '˜The Daniels'

Graham Drury (right) signs a new contract with Stamford AFC watched by secretary Phil Bee (left) and chairman Bob Feetham.

Results have improved slightly for ‘The Daniels’ since Drury started his third spell at the club in December. Four points from their last two matches means Stamford are within three points of safety, but they have played more games than all of their relegation rivals.

“I am absolutely delighted,” said Daniels chairman Bob Feetham. “Both Graham and I have been anxious to put an end to some of the nonsensical speculation which has done the rounds. He is our manager, he is our choice - and he is here to stay.

“It’s great to give our fabulous fans such good news soon after the win against Hyde (January 2). The team were magnificent. Make no mistake. There hasn’t been a Stamford team this season ahead of Graham’s arrival which would have had the heart to win that match. Graham has given us that spirit.

“I have every confidence that the Drury influence will get is where we want to be - and where our long suffering fans deserve to be. There may be setbacks along the way and the next 20 games will be a close run thing when it comes to dodging relegation.

“But it is important for everyone to remember that Graham will be influential in a long-term strategy which looks at not just avoiding relegation but taking us onwards and upwards.”

Drury added: “I am overjoyed to be back and signing this contract shows that I am fully committed to the project long term. These wonderful new facilities match my ambition of going back up to the Conference and it would be great to be the man who takes Stamford there for the first time in their history.

“This is a big challenge, but I am fully confident we can stay where we are and then push on in the NPL. It would give a lot of pleasure to make sure that happens for the fans, so I’m asking them to buckle up, sit back and enjoy the ride!”

Next order of business for Drury and Stamford is a relegation battle on Saturday (January 16) when they travel to Skelmersdale, a team just three places and three points ahead of ‘The Daniels.’

Stamford’s scheduled Doodson Cup tie against Buxton at the Zeeco Stadium tonight (January 12) has been postponed.

Deeping Rangers’ scheduled United Counties Premier Division fixture with Sleaford at the Hayden Whittam Stadium tonight has also been postponed because of waterlogging.