Craddock craving consistency

New Mossley boss Alex Craddock says he “can’t wait to get going” ahead of his first season at the helm. 

The 34-year-old, who previously acted as the club’s assistant manager, has taken over the reins following the departure of David Fish at the end of last season. 

“I’m really excited,” the Yorkshire based boss told the Reporter. 

“I’ve never hidden the fact that I wanted to manage, and I can’t wait to get going in a competitive environment.” 

The former Shelley man will be joined in the dugout next season by Phil McGrath, who has stepped up from his role as first-team coach to take over as assistant manager. 

“Moving Phil up was a no brainer,” said the Lilywhites boss. 

“We have similar ideas on football and very similar demeanours as well, we both try not to get overly emotional. 

“His playing history is a big factor too. Having come over from Ireland at a young age, he can hopefully pass on knowledge to some of the loanees we’ll undoubtedly get throughout the season.” 

Former Curzon Ashton defender Antony Leech will also make up part of Mossley’s backroom staff going forward, coming in as a first-team coach following his retirement this summer. 

Ahead of the new campaign, 14 members of last season’s squad have committed their futures to the club, which Craddock admits was crucial. 

“Keeping hold of players was massive for us. 

“It’s been huge for me as the manager, because it gives me a good base to work with, and it means I only have to bring about four or five players in now rather than a lot more.” 

It is fair to say the Lilywhites struggled to find the net last season, with only Wythenshawe, Hanley Town and City of Liverpool finishing on fewer goals in the NPL West, all three of which were relegated from the division. 

With this in mind, the newly appointed Craddock admits it was essential that the club held onto their top goalscorer in 24/25, Obua Mugalula. 

“Obz is vital for us, and I think last season was the first one of his career where he was one of the main wingers at a club. 

“He was our top scorer, and crucially for him, he’s at a club now where he feels loved.” 

Elsewhere, in midfield, the Holmfirth resident has high hopes for what the returning Sean Kgwakgwa can bring going forward. 

“Sean had a tough start to his Mossley career, he got an early injury and could never seem to get a run going. 

“But at the back end of last season, he was the one who was driving us forward, and I’m expecting big things from him now. 

“He knows this, I’ve put a bit of pressure on him, and I think this could be his breakout season.” 

In contrast to their struggles in forward areas, Mossley had a stellar campaign in terms of defensive numbers last time out, with only Widnes and Hednesford Town conceding fewer goals, both of whom earned promotion. 

Understandably, Craddock is delighted to have kept the core of that defence intact. 

“We had one of the best defensive records last season, and I think that’s probably the reason we managed to stay up, so to keep hold of the likes of Fin [Madigan], Leesy [Mark Lees] and Jack [Marrow] was huge for us as well.” 

In terms of incomings, two familiar faces have returned to Seel Park for 25/26. 

Forward Oumar Camara has rejoined the Lilywhites after two impressive seasons with North West Counties side Ramsbottom United, where he scored 21 goals in 43 games in all competitions.  

Elsewhere, defender Jack Grundy returns to the club he made 115 appearances for between 2020 and 2024, having spent a season away at Runcorn Linnets. 

“Jack was a priority for us this summer,” Craddock told the Reporter. 

“We desperately needed someone who could play in a number of positions, and he can fill in at both right back and centre back. 

“He’s a goal threat, and a great lad as well, I was gutted when he left the first time around. 

“In terms of Oumar, it was important that we brought a goalscorer in, and someone who could complement Reece [Webb-Foster], who is returning from injury. 

“It’s no secret we struggled to score last season, and Oumar is that fox in the box that we need, it’s just about making sure we create enough chances for him.” 

Elsewhere, former Ashton United midfielder George Milner is also Seel Park bound, and his importance has now been amplified by a recent injury to Michael Brewster. 

Brewster suffered an injury to his ACL in the opening pre-season game, and looks set to miss the entirety of the 25/26 campaign. 

“George will bring experience, having played the last 10 years in the division above, and he’s a different type of midfielder to anything we’ve got, he’s someone who will break play up and be that controller in the middle. 

“Brewster’s injury is a huge blow for us, he came back for pre-season in great condition, and I was excited to see what he could bring. 

“It’s a real shame for us, and I’m obviously gutted for him as well. 

“It’s not just about his playing ability, it’s his experience and leadership, that’s what’s going to be hard to replace.” 

When quizzed on his aims for the upcoming campaign, the 34-year-old told the Reporter: 

“First and foremost, it’s to secure our place in the division, but I do think we have to look beyond safety if we can. 

“It’s going to be very competitive as there are some big clubs in the division this year, but we have to show ambition and try and progress.  

“We just need to show some more consistency, we can’t just show up for the first half of the season like we did last year. 

“We had a really good start, then after Christmas we dropped off and missed the opportunity to have a really good season. 

“The FA Cup is massive for us as well, that Whitby game is something I’ll never forget, and we want to create more memories like that. 

“I’m not a big believer in having a set philosophy, you have to be adaptable. 

“With the players we’ve got, I think we can defend resiliently, attack with pace, and hopefully show some fight in the middle. 

“Longer term, we want to continue our great reputation for developing players. 

“There have been some great examples of Mossley players going on to big things, and we want to keep that going.” 

Craddock’s side travel to NPL East side Bradford Park Avenue in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on August 2, before opening their NPL West campaign the following Saturday when they host newly promoted Lower Breck.