Young gun takes Celtic hot seat

Stalybridge Celtic’s search for a new first-team manager is over, with the club confirming the appointment of former Atherton Laburnum Rovers boss David Jones. 

The 27-year-old joins with a short yet impressive CV, having overseen one of the most successful periods in the Yellows’ history. 

Jones arrives at Bower Fold following a three-and-a-half-year spell at Atherton, where he established himself as one of the most promising young managers in the region.  

The former goalkeeper first joined the North West Counties side in the summer of 2023, aged just 23 and went on to land an unprecedented treble in his second full season at the helm. 

A stellar 2024/25 campaign saw the club romp to the First Division North title, earning themselves promotion to the Premier Division, as well as lifting the Edward Case Cup and the Champions Cup. 

Another standout moment in Jones’ tenure was last season’s famous FA Cup victory over local rivals Atherton Collieries, which went on to gain national recognition.  

During his stay at Crilly Park, he boasted an outstanding win percentage of 63.41%, winning 104 of 164 his matches in charge. 

Speaking on the appointment, Stalybridge Celtic chairman Nigel Jones commented: 

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dave to Stalybridge Celtic. He has been an outstanding candidate throughout what was a thorough recruitment process. We had some fantastic people apply for the role, and it was impossible to respond to everybody, but Dave stood out as a person who can help bring both short-term and long-term success to the Club. 

“This is evidenced by the success at Atherton LR over the last three years or so and his achievements there have been hugely impressive. This includes not only the development of a strong footballing structure around the first team but also the growing of a youth section which tells you a great deal about his ambition to grow the Club at all levels and again help us to future-proof success. 

“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Dave's calibre to the football club. He has a clear drive and hunger to succeed, a real desire to be here and the ambition to move Stalybridge Celtic forward. We believe he has the qualities, experience and vision to make a positive impact, both immediately and over the longer term. 

“We look forward to welcoming Dave to Bower Fold and him getting started.” 

Jones added: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage Stalybridge Celtic Football Club. 

“I fully understand the size, history and expectations of this football club, and I’m determined to give absolutely everything to help move us forward. 

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but myself and my staff will be doing everything we possibly can to get this club climbing the table and to give the supporters good times! 

“I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.” 

Jones will watch from the stands on Tuesday night as Celtic welcome Stafford Rangers to Bower Fold, with Liam Tongue taking temporary charge for the final time.