Stalybridge Celtic appoint new Under-21s boss

Stalybridge Celtic have appointed Matt Ross as manager of the club's Under-21s team. 

The team will continue to compete in the North West U21s Development League when the 2020/21 season gets under way. 

Ross joins on a voluntary basis and will combine the role with his commitments at Manchester City, where he coaches BTEC Academy students as part of the Premier League club's 'City in the Community' programme. 

He replaces Craig South, who has stepped down due to business commitments. 

In a statement announcing the news on Tuesday morning (11 August), the Bower Fold club said Ross brings "a broad range of coaching and mentoring experience across North West football academies, the FA and grassroots football". 

Ross said: "I believe that together, we can create something special for our club, fans and the community to be proud of. I am up for the challenge and with my trusted team, we will strive to be a force to be reckoned with.

"I really look forward to working closely with Simon Haworth and supporting his First-Team objectives in the best way possible. Thank you to the club for putting your faith in me." 

Stalybridge manager Simon Haworth commented: "I’m looking forward to him bridging the gap between the Academy and First-Team and being able to help me build an increasingly younger first-team squad." 

Academy Chair Ian Milligan added: "I’d like to welcome Matt and his team and wish them all the best with the U21s set up, with the aim that it becomes a productive pathway to our First Team. With Simon building a younger squad, Matt’s brief is to recruit and develop the best local and regional talent with First Team and beyond potential.

"I’d like to thank Craig South who has been involved with Celtic sides from the U7s Juniors and has made a massive commitment over the years. Craig is stepping down due to business commitments but has also helped drive this process to take the U21s to the next stage."