After four years at the helm during a turbulent period both on and off the pitch, Simon Haworth resigned from his position as Staybridge Celtic manager in April.
The former Wales international has been replaced by Chris Willcock, an experienced manager who has previously enjoyed time in the dugout with Glossop North End and Ramsbottom United.
Willcock, who is from Stalybridge and grew up watching the club, joins Celtic having guided Workington to the NPL West playoffs last season, only to be beaten by Marine in the semi-final. Most notably, Willcock took Glossop to the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium in 2015, losing 2-1 to North Shields.
Celtic begin their season with a trip to South Shields, who missed out on promotion last season after losing to Warrington Town in the playoffs semi-final. The Mariners are managed by former Southampton and Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips.
A second half equaliser from visiting winger Ash Hunter saw the battle of the two Robins teams finish all square at Hurst Cross after a much livelier second period.
Following a run of three defeats in four, Curzon Ashton bounced back in style on Tuesday night with a statement 4-0 win at high-flyers Warrington Town.
Manchester United opened their 2026/27 Premier League season over the weekend with a trip to newly promoted Hull City, and a match that many expected to be straightforward for Carrick’s Reds turned out to be anything but.
The Premier League is finally back, and after what felt like an eternity of pre-season, Manchester City got their campaign underway with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.