Celtic's Macken dreaming of promotion

Stalybridge Celtic could hardly be in better form heading into the business end of the NPL West season. 

The Celts come into the final three matches of the campaign on a run of eight straight league wins, but boss Jon Macken insists his side have even more to give: 

“We believe that we’re capable of more,” Macken told the Reporter. 

“We want to keep pushing even further, and hopefully make this season a memorable one.” 

After three seasons away, the club are dreaming of a return to the NPL Premier division, something which now looks likelier than ever. 

Easter Monday’s derby day win over Mossley – which extended their unbeaten run to 14 – leaves Macken’s men sitting pretty in third place, just three points behind league leaders Bury and nine clear of 6th placed Vauxhall Motors. 

Following their relegation at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Celtic have failed to make the play-offs at their last two attempts, but are now just one point away from being third time lucky. 

“At the start of the season, we wanted promotion,” revealed Macken. 

“Whether that’s winning the league or going up via the play-offs if that’s not possible, that’s still the aim, and that won’t change until the last game of the season. 

“There’s still a bit of work to do, but we want to cement ourselves as being either the best team in the division by winning it, or finishing as high as possible.” 

Celtic’s superb recent form has been inspired by a flurry of goals from forward Jack Irlam, who has netted ten times in his last eight matches. 

Irlam’s purple patch has contributed to the Bower Fold outfit’s stellar goalscoring tally of 85, which is only bettered by Vauxhall Motors. 

“Jack has been in and out of the team, but he’s finally found his form,” the 48-year-old told the Reporter.  

“He’s worked hard, he’s kept believing, and he’s getting his rewards now.” 

Celtic’s goalscoring exploits have also helped the club shatter last season’s points tally, which the former Manchester City forward believes is just one of many signs of progress. 

“We wanted to improve the squad, improve the level of performance, and improve the levels of motivation, and we believe we’ve done that. 

“We knew from day one that we had capable players, they’ve got the talent, but it’s just about having that desire to get better, and having the belief that you can go and achieve something.” 

“When I took over, my aim was to get us playing in the division we believe we should be in. 

“But it was also to improve the attendance, get people back into the football club, and make them believe in what we’re trying to do. 

“There will always be performances that people criticise, but I think we’ve shown this season that they are few and far between. 

“We’re trying to improve the standards on and off the pitch day in day out, and I think we’re getting there.  

“Now we’ve just got to take it up to the levels that we believe we can reach.”  

Stalybridge will look to make it nine wins from nine this weekend when they travel to relegation threatened Sporting Khalsa, knowing that even a draw would see them secure an NPL West play-off spot.