Celtic Appoint Willcock As First Team Manager

Stalybridge Celtic have appointed former Glossop North End boss Chris Willcock as the club's first team manager.

Willcock joins the club with a wealth of experience, having previously managed Glossop, Ramsbottom United and Workington.

During his time with Glossop, Willcock guided the club to great success, delivering a league and cup double in 2015 by winning the North West Counties Premier Division title and the MEN United Cup.

Willcock, from Stalybridge, also took his side to Wembley Stadium for the FA Trophy final in 2015. Unfortunately, the Hillmen lost that game to North Shields.

After leaving Glossop, Willcock has since managed Ramsbottom United and, most recently, Workington, where he guided the club to the NPL West playoffs, however the Reds lost to 3-2 to Marine in the semi-final.

Speaking to Celtic's official website, Willcock said: : “I am delighted to accept this opportunity at my hometown club and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead at Stalybridge Celtic, a club with a very good history, passionate supporters and great potential.

“I want everyone to pull together and get this club back up the league.

“The club and myself have an exciting vision over the coming years and I am honoured to have been"

Celtic chairman Rob Gorski said: “We had nearly 30 applications, from ex-Premier League players to applications from New Zealand, however Chris’s attitude really impressed and we are really excited that he is joining.

“He has a tremendous record of challenging at the top end of the table with pretty much every club he has managed, he is local, has a clear plan and his determination to succeed was clear.”

Pictures by Phillip Smith Photography (Willcock (left) with director Keith Smart)