Bradshaw back in the hotseat

Following the departure of Craig Mahon, Curzon Ashton have confirmed assistant manager Mark Bradshaw will become the club’s new head coach ahead of the upcoming campaign. 

Bradshaw is no stranger to the dugout, having taken charge of The Nash in the past between 2018 and 2020, following the departure of John Flanagan. 

The 55-year-old has been associated with the club for over 20 years and has taken up a number of roles during this time, including Curzon Ashton Juniors coach and Curzon Ashton Women’s manager. 

Bradshaw has served as assistant manager over the past five seasons, first taking on the title in 2020/21 under then manager Adam Lakeland. 

Following his appointment, Bradshaw told the club: “The message for the fans is, as always, when the manager changes at Curzon, the core of everything that we do is still the strength.  

“So we carry on, we keep doing the right things, we trust our players, we recruit well and we go forward into a new season with lots of positivity. 

“In terms of the squad, the management staff are working extremely hard to replace players who have decided to move on, it will be a process that takes time but things such as going on the pre-season trip are massively important to get all the players bonded and gelled together but it’s exciting times ahead.” 

The former defender will be joined in the dugout by current assistant manager Jack Salkeld, who will continue to fulfil the role going forward. 

Much like Bradshaw, Salkeld has a strong connection to Curzon, having been involved with the club since the age of six. 

Salkeld also commented: “We’ve got a good core of players and the management are working really hard to continue the good form of the last two seasons.  

“Thank you for your continued support, you never let us down and we hope to deliver.” 

The pair will take charge of their first game under the new regime next month, when The Nash face League One side Wigan Athletic on their pre-season trip to Murcia.