Former Curzon Ashton boss is new Buxton FC manager

Former Curzon Ashton manager Steve Cunningham has been appointed as the new boss of Buxton FC.

The 41-year-old will work alongside his assistant Damian Crossley and the pair will take charge when the Bucks travel to York City in the FA Cup on Saturday, having made it through to the first round proper for the first time since 1962/63. 

Cunningham was in charge at Colne for six years before taking over at National League North side Curzon in June 2020. 

He was dismissed from his role at the Tameside Stadium on 18 October following a 'serious breach of club discipline' prior to the club's FA Cup tie with Chesterfield. The Nash had made a bright start to the season, with the club in the play-off places when he left. 

"I intend to make the most of this opportunity for everyone concerned," Steve said in a statement on Buxton FC's website. 

"There's an unbelievable group of lads here, full of enthusiasm and the talent to match. We've got a firm foundation for our work. The team has made an impressive start to the season under previous management and we'll move forward with determination.

"Firstly it's an important FA Cup day, then we'll turn our attention to tackling a busy Northern Premier programme."

Buxton FC chairman David Hopkins added: "Steve and Damian met the players yesterday and it was a most positive session. Saturday's game will be an historic occasion and we're going there fully armed and committed, backed by over 1,000 travelling fans.

"Then it will be back to league action next Tuesday and the drive towards building Buxton's serious challenge for promotion."

Buxton had issued a statement on Monday night to confirm that Gary Hayward and assistant Mark Ward had left the club with "immediate effect" but gave no further explanation. 

In the statement confirming Cunningham's appointment, the High Peak club said: "Buxton's directors have placed on record their thanks for the contributions of previous management team Gary Hayward and Mark Ward, who have left the club." 

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