Bradshaw hoping for a bright future at Curzon

New Curzon Ashton head coach Mark Bradshaw says the club are keen to put the past behind them, as they look forward to the new National League North campaign. 

The Nash came agonisingly close to a play-off place last season, as a 1-1 draw at home to Leamington on the final day saw them miss out on goal difference. 

“It was a massive disappointment, and it will go down in history as a disappointment, but we’re beyond that now,” Bradshaw told the Reporter. 

“Yes it hurt, but you have to move on in football and try to look forward. 

“A few hours after the game we were already thinking about next season.” 

The 55-year-old took over the reins once again earlier this summer following the departure of Craig Mahon, and believes he is the perfect man for the job. 

“After talking with the chairman and directors, the feeling we got was that my appointment would be the best thing for the club. 

“I’ve always said since I started, I’ll always work in the best interests of Curzon Ashton Football Club. 

“I’m not someone who is trying to further their career or put attention onto myself, and I think that’s what the club needs, a bit of stability.” 

The former Blackpool man’s appointment isn’t the only change to take place this summer, with a number of important players moving on. 

Talented midfielder Isaac Sinclair has linked up with former teammate Devon Matthews at League Two side Accrington Stanley, while Stefan Mols – who netted 12 times in the league last season – has moved up a division to join Tamworth. 

Elsewhere, pacey winger Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has made the switch to newly promoted Macclesfield, while stalwart left-back Will Hayhurst has decided to hang up his boots. 

Though Bradshaw admits next season could prove to be a challenge without his star players, it is one he is looking forward to: 

“We work in cycles, and this is the start of a new one,” the former left-back told the Reporter.  

“We’ve had a lot of new players come in and probably a few more than we expected leave, but we’ve got to see it as a challenge. 

“Without the lads who have left it’s going to be a process that takes a while, but the signs are positive at the moment. 

“It’s exciting, I’m getting on a bit now but I’ve got that spring in my step again, I can’t wait to see what we can produce next season.” 

This summer’s rebuild has seen The Nash bolster their squad in all areas, with 11 new faces coming through the door. 

Goalkeeper Callum Hawkins will be the club’s new number one after joining on a three-year deal from Leamington, while experienced centre back Chris Stokes has come in from AFC Fylde. 

Ex-Hyde United defenders Jack Stafford and Joel Amado complete the defensive reinforcements while another former Tiger Brad Holmes will line up in attack. 

Elsewhere, the arrivals of teenage duo Crispin McClean and Ben Connolly further highlight the club’s focus on youth. 

“We wanted to bring in cover for every position,” commented Bradshaw. 

“Last year the team picked itself, but there’s a lot more competition for places now. 

“Last summer was a bit different, we knew we only needed to add one or two, but we’ve made a lot more additions this time around and focused more on players with potential.” 

Completing the arrivals are forwards Joe Rodwell-Grant and Tony Weston, and midfielders Jack Stobbs and Charlie Weston. 

Bradshaw is also buoyed by the news that experienced trio Jimmy Spencer, Adam Barton and Jordan Richards – who have amassed a combined total of 350 appearances for the club - will be sticking around for 2025/26. 

“Those three staying is massive for us, but it’s no surprise that they’ve signed. 

“Their hearts are at Curzon, they love being here. 

“Jimmy gets offers to leave on a regular basis and he’s turned every one down. 

“As a club, we’re like a family. The directors are very approachable and there is a great bond between the board and the players. 

“I think they all appreciate that; it’s not always the case, certainly at a lot of my former clubs it wasn’t.” 

Despite the sea of change at the club, their aims haven’t shifted ahead of the new campaign. 

“Our aims have to remain the same. 

“It’s a cliche but we have to take it one game at a time. 

“We want to compete in every game we play in and see where it takes us. 

“Cup competitions are always massively important, that never changes, and hopefully we can hit the heights we have over the last two years in the league.” 

Bradshaw’s side open their National League North campaign this weekend with the same fixture they closed the last, as they host Leamington on Saturday.