Tony Bugby completes his previews of Tameside’s four Northern Premier League teams with a look at a new era kicking off at Stalybridge Celtic after catching up with new owner Nigel Jones.
There are positive vibes at Stalybridge Celtic where it has been all change following a dramatic summer at Bower Fold.
The club begins the 2023/24 season under new ownership with a new manager and an almost completely new team.
And fans are certainly on board with the club amazed by turnouts of 500 plus for home pre-season friendlies – in the past they have sometimes struggled to break into three figures.
The protracted sale was finally completed in May when businessmen Nigel Jones and Paul Bowden acquired Rob Gorski’s majority shareholding.
That was quickly followed by the appointment of James Kinsey as manager, He had been in charge at Wythenshawe Town where Jones had been a director.
Jones, who is chairman, admitted it has been a whirlwind three months since taking charge.
He said: “I am very excited the season is about to start, but also very apprehensive as I am conscious that we started late and are a bit behind other clubs.
“Pre-season has gone well, and the squad is coming together nicely in the time we have had available. And, seeing we were working from scratch, we have assembled a very good squad.
“We have a great group of players, and I am cautiously optimistic about our prospects for the season.”
Jones has been taken aback by the warmth of the welcome he and Bowden have received after taking over from the previous regime which had become toxic among an element of the fan base.
He said: “The reality was the club was due a change and everyone has welcomed us.
“We have to try and build on the positives and translate that into success on the pitch.
“We have had good performances pre-season, especially against Ashton and Hyde, which were really positive.”
Jones has also been amazed by the crowds of 500 plus for pre-season games which if maintained for the league campaign will help the club which kicks off its Northern Premier League, west campaign tomorrow (Aug 12) at Hanley Town.
“We have formed a good link with the supporters through Shaun Bishop and have a positive relationship which we want to continue to build.”
Jones admitted Celtic, who at the start of the Millennium were playing in National League, will be a scalp many other clubs will be seeking to claim following their relegation in April from premier.
“I am sure that with the club having new owners, publicity and noise about us that teams will be coming after us,” he admitted.
Celtic have recruited well with Kinsey cherry picking players he has worked with before in the North West Counties League and also known from that league.
They have been joined by players like Jono Hunt and Jamal Crawford who have played in National League North while Michael Brewster, John Pritchard and Max Harrop know the NPL well.
There has been an emotional return to Bower Fold for Greg Wilkinson as player-coach while Connor O’Grady is back after a spell at Worksop Town.
Kinsey is also excited to have landed exciting teenage midfielder Brandon Newall from Macclesfield FC who he believes will be a big player for the team.