Stalybridge Celtic appoint new manager after Macken exit
Stalybridge Celtic have confirmed the appointment of Dave Jones as the club's new manager.
Jones takes over from Jon Macken, who was relieved of his duties earlier this month after almost two years in charge.
He arrives at Bower Fold after spending three-and-a-half years with Atherton Laburnum Rovers, during which time Stalybridge say he established himself as "one of the most exciting young managers in non-league football".
Appointed in May 2023 at the age of just 23, Jones' first season in charge of Atherton LR saw the club finish second in the North West Counties League Division One North.
He went on to guide his side to a historic campaign in 2024/25, winning the league title, the Edward Case Cup and the Champions Cup, securing the first treble in the club’s history.
During his time at Crilly Park, Jones achieved a remarkable win percentage of 63.41%, with other notable highlights seeing the club reach the last 16 of the FA Vase in the same season they won the treble.
“I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage Stalybridge Celtic Football Club," he said.
“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.”
Stalybridge have confirmed that Jones will watch Tuesday night's game against Stafford Rangers from the stands, with first-team affairs led by Liam Tongue, Greg Wilkinson and Aaron Chalmers.
A 3-1 home win against Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday leaves them 13th in the NPL West Division at the time of Jones' appointment, five points adrift of the play-offs.
His first game in charge will come at home to Prescot Cables on Saturday 17 October.
"He has been an outstanding candidate throughout what was a thorough recruitment process," chairman Nigel Jones said.
"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."