Mahon waves goodbye to Curzon

Following two successful seasons at the helm, Curzon Ashton boss Craig Mahon has left the club to explore a new challenge. 

The Irishman will now move into full-time football having accepted an offer to take over at fellow National League North side AFC Fylde, who were relegated from the National League last season. 

The 35-year-old took over as Curzon player-manager back in 2023 following the departure of Adam Lakeland, and helped the club secure a place in the National League North play-offs for the first time in their history in his first season in charge. 

The 2024/25 season saw The Nash eclipse their record National League North points tally set in 23/24 under Mahon’s stewardship, finishing on 77 points and missing out on a play-off place on goal difference. 

The midfielder first arrived at the Tameside Stadium back in 2020 as a player, before going on to feature over 200 times for the club, acting as captain on numerous occasions. 

Following Mahon’s departure, Curzon Ashton chairman John Clayton commented: 

“On behalf of myself and The Board of Directors we are disappointed to be losing Craig Mahon to AFC Fylde, however we wish Craig the very best of luck in his new venture.  

“Over the past five seasons Craig has played over 200 games for The Nash, becoming first the captain and for the last eighteen months player-manager, he has always given 110% and led, not only by example but always with a smile on his face.  

“He has been instrumental in helping build what we at The Tameside Stadium call ‘The Curzon Family’ and he will be very much missed.” 

Clayton has also confirmed the club will not look to recruit a new first team manager, instead handing the reins to current assistant managers Jack Salkeld and Mark Bradshaw: 

“Although Craig has left we will not be actively pursuing a replacement as we have the upmost faith in the rest of our management team, Mark Bradshaw, Jack Salkeld and Kieran Bentley, who are already working together to complete the signing of new players to allow us to look forward, with great optimism to another successful season in the National League North.”