WAYNE DANIEL toasted hitting 400 games for Stafford Rangers with the winning goal that maintained their blistering start – then revealed that he’s caught between a rock and a hard place!
The veteran defender is 38 years old and before last weekend’s Evo-Stik NPL Division One South match with Sheffield, the man they call Shoota was honoured for reaching the landmark by supporters with champagne.
He could crack it open after his diving header made it six wins from seven to seal a 3-2 win – but if things stay this way, the clock is ticking on his career.
If the Boro legend takes the club back to Step 3, he has already decided that he will bow out with a medal around his neck. But should the club not achieve promotion, he expects he will carry on and try again in 2016-17.
Although Daniel says it will be tough to say goodbye, his goal is to hang up the boots he’s laced since it all began for him in 1995 in a fitting way.
He is now in an uncompromising position and said: “I love the club, I’ve played in Steps 1-4 with Stafford and I’ve loved being a part of it – to think I won’t play for the team after this season is difficult. The highlight was two years at the top of the Non-League game, without doubt. Such great memories.
“But I’m a realist, there’s a huge difference between the Evo-Stik South and the Premier. I’m the first to admit that my legs aren’t really up to that level any more – the forwards are too quick and people don’t realise actually how good the players are.
Recovery
“The game has quickened up so much even at our level, but sadly my rate of recovery after a game has gone in the other direction!
“The gaffer (Neil Kitching) agrees, I think it may have even been his idea but if we go up that’ll be that from a playing point of view. I have to end it playing for Stafford, so if we do it this season then that’ll be me done.
“I’ll miss it like mad, I am the worst watcher of football in this world but put it this way, carrying on next season is not in my mind – I am planning to go out the best way possible.”
It will be some retirement party in Stafford for one of their greats but Daniel warned: “The problem is we’re the biggest club in the league by far, and now we’re top. We’ve got two reasons for being shot at.”
Boss Kitching said: “He’s been a fantastic player for the club, very few get to 400 appearances these days.
“If by some miracle he gets to 500 it will mean we won’t have been promoted but he’s still such a huge player, even if he can’t muster two games a week like the old days!”
